The 2025 Koala Festival has closed on a high note, with the results of this year's Koala Count showing strong signs that Narrandera's wild koala population is healthy and thriving. Locals and visitors came together for a festival weekend that celebrated conservation, culture, and community with a vibrant program of activities, performances, and hands-on experiences.
Koalas were considered locally extinct in the Narrandera area until 1972, when 23 koalas were reintroduced. This marked the beginning of a remarkable recovery story, underpinned by decades of dedicated habitat protection and community involvement. Since 1979, the community has come together each year, weather permitting, for the annual Koala Count, making it one of Australia's longest-running citizen science events.
Today, the Koala Count continues to play a vital role in conservation, with participants walking through the Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve to spot koalas, record joeys, and note any signs of stress or habitat change. Importantly, it also provides an invaluable opportunity for education and awareness. These on-ground efforts are now complemented by modern technology: drones equipped with thermal cameras are flown over the Reserve, detecting koala heat signatures and providing a comprehensive view of the population. The most recent drone survey, conducted in 2024, recorded 295 koalas.
While drone surveys provide the authoritative population estimate, the community count remains a key indicator of the health of the koalas observed in accessible areas. This year, participants recorded 48 koalas, including six joeys - an increase of 9 on last year's tally. These positive results, particularly the number of new joeys, point to a population that continues to thrive, and the data collected by participants will contribute to long-term conservation strategies and habitat management plans in Narrandera. The ongoing success of the colony reflects not only the protection of their habitat but also the passion and commitment of the local community, whose support has been central to conservation efforts for more than five decades.
"Events like the Narrandera Koala Festival show the power of community and science working hand in hand," said Mayor Neville Kschenka.
"Every sighting, every walk, every conversation helps us better protect one of Australia's most iconic species."
Planning is already underway for the next Koala Festival, which will take place on 19-20 September 2025.
