One of the jewels in the Port Stephens’ crown reaped the rewards at the NSW Tourism Awards during the week.
The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary claimed the prestigious Tourism Attraction category at the gala ceremony at Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal.
The Gan Gan Road facility is the result of a partnership between Port Stephens Council, the NSW Government and volunteer care group Port Stephens Koala Hospital.
Its focus remains on the conservation and protection of the local marsupial’s population.
Only a decade ago, koala numbers in Port Stephens added up into the thousands.
Sadly, today, they’ve dwindled to the hundreds.
Port Stephens Holiday Parks section manager Kim Latham acknowledged the honour in person on behalf of the Koala Sanctuary, council… and some very special locals.
“On behalf of all koalas, and especially ours in Port Stephens, we graciously accept this award that will continue to highlight the plight facing all koalas in Australia today,” she stated.
“Winning this will further spotlight the tireless conservation and preservation work that is undertaken everyday by our passionate and loyal sanctuary staff.
“It is certainly well-deserved.”
Now in its 33rd year, the NSW Tourism Awards celebrate business excellence, recognise innovation and reward exceptional customer service.
After the impressive victory, the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary now goes on to represent NSW in the same category at the Australian Tourism Awards in 2024.
Meanwhile, ongoing financial assistance is vitally important to support population growth for the threatened species.
The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is open daily from 9am to 5pm (except Christmas Day).
For further details about the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, go to portstephenskoalasanctuary.com.au
For more community stories:
- Port Stephens in top five suburbs at risk of coastal erosion
- Blackbutt Reserve kiosk to undergo makeover
- Celebrating sporting life of deaf community in Oz-first exhibition
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