Celebrating Koalas Through Community Art
Kempsey Shire Council is creating a new public mural, Koalas in the Macleay, on the Baker Drive amenities building at Crescent Head. The mural highlights local koalas and encourages the community to help protect them.
The artwork has been designed by a local artist and draws inspiration from stories from across the Macleay, including the rehabilitation of a young koala named Abai. Her recovery demonstrates both the vulnerability and resilience of the species and serves as a reminder of why community awareness and action are so important.
What the Mural Represents
The mural aims to:
- Raise awareness of our impacts on koalas and their habitats
- Promote safe driving, responsible pet ownership and habitat protection
- Celebrate local biodiversity
- Enhance public spaces with meaningful art
Workshop with Crescent Head Students
Council staff recently visited Crescent Head Public School to talk with students about koala conservation and introduce the upcoming mural. Students shared their experiences with the koalas that regularly visit their school grounds and learned about Abai's rehabilitation story. They also explored the artwork design concept and discussed how art can inspire people to take action for wildlife.
Why Crescent Head?
Crescent Head is home to one of ten recognised koala stronghold populations in New South Wales. Protecting this population is vital to long-term species recovery. Despite this, koalas remain endangered due to habitat loss, vehicle strikes, dog attacks and disease.
Mural Installation Timeline
Site: Public amenities building, Baker Drive, Crescent Head
Installation: Begins Monday 17 November 2025
Completion: Early December, weather permitting
How You Can Help Protect Koalas
Slow down for wildlife
Koalas often cross roads at night and during the breeding season (August–February). Drive carefully through known koala areas and report injured wildlife immediately.
Keep pets safe
Dogs can seriously injure or kill koalas. Keep pets secured at night and supervise them outdoors, especially near bushland or wildlife corridors.
Protect and restore habitat
Plant native trees, fence sensitively and support local revegetation projects. Healthy forests are essential for koala survival.
Report injured or distressed koalas
If you see a koala in need, call the Koala Emergency Rescue Line on 02 6584 1522.
