UPDATE: The highly anticipated Koala Fest has just returned to Kurrajong in 2025, bringing urgent attention to the protection of one of Australia’s most beloved species. Held at Memorial Park, this community-driven festival aims to educate the public about conservation efforts and the plight of local koalas, which face numerous threats, including disease.
Organized by the Hawkesbury Environment Network (HEN) in partnership with several local groups, including WIRES and Science for Wildlife, Koala Fest features live music, workshops, and family-friendly activities designed to engage and inspire. This year’s event marks a significant comeback after a six-year hiatus, emphasizing the community’s commitment to preserving the local environment.
“Koala Fest is all about raising community awareness,” organizers stated. The festival not only informs the public but also creates a vital networking platform for conservation groups dedicated to the welfare of koalas.
Key voices at the festival include Morgan Philpott, a passionate member of the Hawkesbury WIRES Koala Rehabilitation Team. With nearly a decade of experience, Morgan emphasizes the importance of community involvement, especially during the koala mating season when these animals are more mobile and vulnerable.
“At this time of year, koalas often cross roads or move through backyards,” Morgan explained. “This can lead to more encounters with koalas that may be sick or in need of help.”
One of the most pressing threats to local koala populations is chlamydia, a disease that significantly impacts their health. Morgan urges residents to be vigilant and recognize the signs of ocular and urogenital chlamydia, which can manifest as eye discharge, swelling, or unusual wet stains on the koala’s body.
“Any koala showing these symptoms needs immediate medical treatment,” Morgan stressed. Residents are encouraged to report sightings of both sick and healthy koalas to WIRES at 1300 094 737, where trained carers are ready to respond.
Additionally, Morgan calls on local residents to take precautionary measures, such as keeping dogs contained at night and driving cautiously during dusk and dawn—the peak times for koala activity. The community is also encouraged to log koala sightings through WIRES, Science for Wildlife, or the I Spy Koala app.
Koala Fest serves as more than just a fun event; it is a critical platform for raising awareness and fostering community action to protect these iconic creatures. Following its successful return in 2025, many hope this festival will become an annual tradition in the Hawkesbury region, ensuring that koalas remain a vital part of the local landscape for generations to come.
As the community unites for this cause, the hope is to not only save the koala population but to strengthen the bond between people and wildlife, paving the way for a more sustainable future. The festival continues to attract numerous attendees, igniting a renewed passion for conservation and the urgent need to protect Australia’s unique wildlife.
