Koala conservation will take centre stage at this year’s Warialda Honey Festival, with the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) bringing its Save the Koala Month campaign to the town this Saturday.
The AKF will host a stand in the festival’s new venue area, offering visitors the chance to learn more about Australia’s iconic marsupial and the work being done to protect its habitat. Festival goers are encouraged to stop by, show their support, and find out how they can contribute to the conservation effort.
Alongside the stand, the Warialda Save the Koala Shop on Stephen Street will be open throughout the day. Stocked with Australian gifts and Koala-themed merchandise, the shop will offer a one-day-only 20 per cent discount storewide, excluding already reduced items. All proceeds go directly towards the AKF’s ongoing work to protect Koalas and their habitats.
The Warialda Honey Festival, which runs from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 13 September at Green Space Park in the town square, is an annual celebration of community, culture and heritage. The theme draws on the town’s name, which in the local Aboriginal language means “Place of Wild Honey.”
This year’s event promises a packed program, with market stalls, food vendors, live music, face painting, stilt walkers and balloon twisters bringing colour and energy to the day. Children will have the chance to try circus skills with Cirque Um Navigate, while competitions will add to the buzz, including prizes for the most vibrant window display, best costume, top photo, colouring competition and a “hunt to find the busy bees.”
Festival organisers say Warialda will be “buzzing with excitement” as the day unfolds. Local favourite Kurt Larkham will provide live music to keep the crowd entertained, while Bieber the Bee, the festival’s mascot, will be on hand for selfies and high-fives.
The AKF’s participation links the popular family event with a national cause. Each September, Save the Koala Month raises awareness and funds for the survival of Koalas, a species under pressure from habitat loss, climate change and disease. The foundation estimates fewer than 70,000 Koalas remain in the wild .
Throughout the month, the AKF is running its “30 Days, 30 Ways” initiative, encouraging Australians to get involved in activities ranging from tree planting and trivia nights to adopting a Koala. Special promotions are also on offer through the Save the Koala Shop, including free shipping on all orders over $150 .
Save the Koala Month will culminate with Save the Koala Day on Friday 26 September, when AKF ambassador Andy Penkow will release a new single to raise awareness and celebrate the conservation campaign.
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