Port Macquarie artist Yvonne Kiely says the inaugural Hello Koalas Festival is an exciting extension to the successful sculptured trail tourist attraction.
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The festival gets underway on June 1 and continues through to June 11.
Part of the festival will include artists markets over two days at the historic Port Macquarie courthouse on June 3 and 4.
Ms Kiely said visitors to the markets will be able to get involved in the painting process.
“There will be workshops led by local artists where visitors can participate,” she said.
“Visitors will also be able to see the latest Hello Koalas sculpture design unfold before them too.
“I will there on both days with my brand new sculpture – Mandy the mandala koala.”
The artist markets are from 9am until 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. Ms Kiely will be painting from 10am unitl noon on both days.
“The mandala design is often circle in shape and often linked with healing,” the artist said.
“So this is about healing our koalas. Our koalas really need some urgent attention, from the work at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital through to our society needing to protect these beautiful creatures from the damage caused by humans and dog attacks.”
When you look closely at all these painted koalas, you will see that the artists have brought their own personalities to the fore.
- Artist Yvonne Kiely
Ms Kiely originally got involved in the Hello Koalas Sculptured Trail through painting the Celtic Koala.
She says the entire trail project has been a fantastic project.
“It is brilliant to see these koalas dotted around the place. I feel very proud to be part of the project and to be part of the artistic efforts.
“When you look closely at all these painted koalas, you will see that the artists have brought their own personalities to the fore.”
Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail project director and festival organiser Margret Meagher said there were a number of features for the planned festival, highlighted by the second annual koala conference.
The festival will open at the Port Macquarie Museum on June 1 followed by the second national koala conference hosted at Rydges by the koala hospital from June 2 to 4.
The festival will also see the launch of a new environmental experience on the boardwalk at Sea Acres, encompassing six Hello Koalas sculptures.
Ms Meagher said the festival will continue through to the June long weekend with high teas at Rydges and a Hello Koalas family festival picnic and parade in the grounds of Roto House.
The community is encouraged to bring their favourite koala toy and dress up for the occasion.
Ms Meagher said key speakers at the conference included principal project officer – threatened species at the office of environment and heritage, Mike Roache.
The inaugural Hello Koalas Festival is on from June 1 until June 11. It will continue to focus attention on the importance of koala conservation.
