The Koalas- 90 min film followed by a panel with speakers: the filmmakers Gregory Miller and Georgia Wallace-Crabbe, Saul Deane, Save Sydney Koalas and Total Environment Network, Stephanie Carrick- Sydney Basin Koala Network, Geoff Francis-Oatley Fauna and Flora and Toolijooa Environmental Restoration

On the East Coast of Australia, where ancient forests meet the urban fringe, koalas are facing unprecedented challenges. The Koalas sheds light on a disturbing truth: the very entities entrusted with safeguarding our natural treasures are contributing to the demise of these emblematic creatures.

The Koalas takes audiences on a journey into the lives of individual koalas, led by charismatic characters - Wonnie (found at Woronora), Bexley, Tom, Baz, Coral and adorable joeys Hope and Pala. As these stories unfold we witness the unique characteristics of koalas, their bond with their young, and the wildlife carers they come into contact with. These seven emerge as ambassadors for all koalas facing threats to their ongoing survival.

Why is the koala facing extinction when governments are announcing new strategies to protect them? Scientists identify the main culprit behind the alarming drop in koala populations is habitat loss. How is the destruction of habitat being allowed to escalate at unprecedented rates? Are environment laws so weak that they can’t protect threatened species?

In southwest Sydney, a key koala colony lies in the path of a proposed housing development. In Victoria, where the land was cleared earlier than in other states, translocated koalas persist in plantations, but what happens when the plantations are harvested? Where can the koalas go?

As the climate changes, wildfires, floods, and extreme weather events are increasingly wreaking havoc on wildlife, their habitat as well as on human infrastructure. After surviving for 25 million years on the Australian continent, can the iconic marsupial be at risk of extinction in the wild? The film celebrates resilience in the face of the challenges and invites audiences to become catalysts for change.

Despite the sombre realities, The Koalas embraces a spirit of hope. With high-production values, observational filming and insights from those on the frontline of wildlife rescue and ecology, The Koalas challenges viewers to become aware of wildlife, support wildlife carers and preserve native habitat in their local areas.

These stories show the struggle and resilience of this iconic species in the face of threatened extinction in the wild. The film resonates with a powerful message: if we can’t (or won’t) save this iconic native species what does it say about us and our own future?

Contact the host of The Koalas film screening Hurstville Entertainment Centre with Filmmaker Q& A & Special Guest Panel