The Yarram Koala Sanctuary represents a unique opportunity to establish a world-class conservation, research, and wildlife care facility in South Gippsland — with a particular focus on protecting the genetically significant Strzelecki (South Gippsland) Koala, while also supporting broader native fauna across the region.
The proposed new facility’s integrated model combines animal welfare, conservation science, education, and community engagement.
Our Vision
The Yarram Koala Sanctuary envisions a future where Australia’s most genetically significant koala population (the Strzelecki Koala) is protected, understood, and thriving — where world-class conservation science, compassionate animal care, First Nations knowledge, and community pride come together in harmony.
Mission
We aspire to make Yarram a beacon of hope and leadership in wildlife conservation: safeguarding the Strzelecki Koala and other native fauna, advancing research that secures the species’ future nationwide, inspiring visitors through education and immersive nature experiences, and creating sustainable jobs and opportunities for the local community.
Guided by respect for Country, collaboration, and innovation, this Sanctuary will stand as a living legacy — demonstrating how caring for nature strengthens people, place, and prosperity for generations to come.
Project Overview
The inception and development of the future Yarram Koala Sanctuary is consistent with the Victoria’s Koala Management Strategy (2023) and serves to address critical research and data gaps relating to South Gippsland Koalas and the ongoing survival of broader koala populations
The project has identified 4 key focus areas. Each focus area has a defined Vision, set of Goals, and specific Outcomes which represent minimum achievable returns on investment.
An underlying fundamental requirement of the Yarram Koala Sanctuary and specific Strzelecki Koala deliverables is sustainability, not just on a local or regional front but on a global front. It is therefore important that this project recognises, aligns, and is able to contribute towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
Our Koala Logo Story
Background
The Koala logo was designed by Gunditjmara, Gunai, Yorta-Yorta man, Ray Young. Ray designed the concept which was then hand drawn on computer, tracing an earlier AI concept by Kevin Mackin.
The Story
The markings on our Koala logo are of the Brataualung people. They’re the same markings you’ll see on our shield. Our logo is like a shield we can all carry and be the protection for the preservation and longevity of future generations of Koalas.
The Circle in the middle with people sitting represents a strong community of passionate people. We can all sit in many circles and work together to plan ,discuss and share yarns about the best way forward for our Koala and what it means to be a part of their team…. for the Koalas by the Community.
The Travel lines: Whether it’s an individual effort or a team effort, let’s walk together for the Koalas here on Brataualung country and the rest of southern Victoria, understanding the vision and purpose we can all bring as a community working hard for our local native wildlife.
As the Koala’s have their songline let us create one together where we can build a voice and stand by our little friends in the trees.
Ray Young
Our Strategic Portfolio
Animal Hospital Veterinary Clinic
Vision
To preserve the Strzelecki Koala population & increase habitat with a future aim of growing the population.
Goals:
- Population to stabilise (short-term) and grow (long-term)
- Improvement, growth and protection of habitats
- Community education strategies in-place
- Treatment for all wildlife
Outcomes:
- 24hr rescue & first aid for all wildlife
- Ongoing nursing and rehab
- Tree & habitat protection
- Tree & habitat expansion (biolinks)
- Food/fodder innovative development with Wulgunggo Ngalu
Research / Conservation Centre
Vision
To create a Centre of Excellence and scientific hub of knowledge conservation of Strzelecki Koala.
Goals:
- Partnerships with education facilities
- A venue of choice for educational institutions to visit/partner with
- Innovation (Ai – genetic material)
- Owner of knowledge & data with storytelling ability of that information.
Outcomes:
- Local research partnerships (e.g. universities, ecologists, gov entities)
- Develop genetic distribution (theory)
- Scientific innovation around Ai and sharing genetic material
Education / Training Facility
Vision
To create a facility that offers a suite of educational programs that is unique and immersive for tertiary, secondary educational institutions and local community groups.
Goals:
- Offer a suite of educational programs
- Provide work experience / training
- Rent out facilities to external organisations
Outcomes:
- Community awareness through education & engagement
- Local partnerships (e.g. schools, clubs)
- Storytelling to educate and engage people in the challenges faced.
Tourism Visitor Centre Cafe
Vision
To create a year-round destination on koala and environmental tourism
Goals:
- Town economically benefits from people traveling to see the koalas (or interact via research)
- Own the ‘brand’ of Strzelecki koala
Outcomes:
- Koala festival
- Koala hub & information centre in Yarram
- Wildlife experiences
- Brand the Strzelecki koala
Governance Documents
Our Constitution