The Hills-Hornsby Rural Koala Project (HHRKP) has been working since 2018 to investigate koala presence in the Hills- Hornsby areas. HHRKP aimed to establish whether we have a breeding population of koalas in the area again, as we did prior to the 2002 fires.
Also to gain knowledge on the distribution, health and population density of koalas in the area, to gain information required to protect them. The project works closely with the community and has received many reports from community over the years, as well as some absolutely crucial evidence such as photographs and recordings to build evidence for a population.
In recent years there have been many more reports of koalas which have been collated into verified and non-verified sightings. A verified sighting must be accompanied by a photograph or sound recording. Nonverified sightings, also very important, are recorded but cannot be viewed with the same certainty.
The work of HHRKP has been very successful as there is now evidence to show that there are populations of koalas in the bushland of The Hills and Hornsby Shires and not just ‘transient ‘individuals passing through.
The key is community engagement – community is the eyes and ears of the Koala Project.
So if you think you hear a koala bellowing or if you are lucky enough to see one, please record/photograph if possible and report it to Hills-Hornsby Rural Koala project facebook page or call/message 0424 844 740.
Our Glenorie Heritage Fence
Many have asked about the progress of the Ray Whiteman Heritage Fence which is planned to be constructed in the Wal Buckingham Park at Glenorie – opposite Post Office Road.
The fence to honour Ray’s dedicated service to the Glenorie community and both Shires while giving honour to the history of Glenorie, including The Dharug people, the convicts who built the road and early settlers & farming families who helped make Glenorie what it is today, and honour those who represented our community and country in the armed services. This will be in the form of engravings on the sandstone pillars.
The design is to complement the Cenotaph and link it with the Memorial Hall.
To date the three piers pictured here have been completed, the pier dedicated to Ray plus two of the military piers – the Navy and Air Force piers. Major contributors are Galston Bendigo Bank, Whiteman Family Trust, State government and in kind from Hornsby Shire Council.
Also funds have been provided by the Shore Family who will have a pier dedicated to their family. Any other families or community members who wish to contribute may do so by direct credit donations, through our website. Please contact the GPA President on 0418 432 587 if you wish to discuss your donation.
