The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of koalas in the wild.
In partnership with the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, the sanctuary provides care for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas in the region. It promotes sustainability through recycling programs, a ‘Return and Earn’ initiative, and the reduction of single-use plastics by offering bulk amenities and reusable water bottles. The landscaping features native plants that require less water, supporting the local ecosystem.
One of the many highlights is The Sanctuary Story Walk, a 250-meter immersive pathway designed to offer visitors of all ages a captivating and educational journey into the world of koalas. This engaging attraction deepens appreciation for these iconic creatures while fostering a greater understanding of their importance in the face of growing environmental challenges.
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary received a complimentary Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, thanks to the partnership between Destination NSW and Ecotourism Australia.
The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard is a pre-certification bench marking tool assessing businesses against the 4 Pillars of Sustainability: Sustainable Management, Environmental, Socio-economic, and Cultural Impacts and is based on globally recognised sustainability criteria.
James Cook, manager of Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary stated,“The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program has helped align our operations with sustainable practices. This initiative has enhanced our conservation efforts and demonstrated our commitment to preserving koalas and their natural habitat for future generations. The sanctuary aims to further improve its sustainability practices and continue providing extended care opportunities for a diverse range of native Australian wildlife in the Port Stephens region.”
“Being relatively new in the conservation and preservation of wild species space, participation in Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability program ensured that the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary navigated correctly through this vitally important business improvement,” said Mr. Cook.
When Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, they received a detailed report providing a snapshot of their current sustainability practices, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. They plan to use these insights to identify opportunities for further enhancing their sustainability efforts.
You can learn more about Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary and book your visit here.
- Introduce a balanced structure of member-elected Directors (maximum 5) and Board-appointed Directors (maximum 4)
- Update Director terms from 2 years to 3 years, with a maximum of two terms (6 years total)
- Meet current regulatory requirements for a Company Limited by Guarantee
- Be modernised and contemporary to meet Ecotourism Australia’s strategic imperatives and our objectives
- Provide a streamlined and concise governance framework.
