A new Hello Koalas sculpture is a reminder that species are vulnerable and can become extinct.

Community members can see Benjamin, The Return of the Thylacine when he makes his first public outing at the Artists Markets at the Port Macquarie Historic Courthouse gardens from 9am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The markets form part of the Hello Koalas Festival program.

Bellingen artist Fiona Morgan is the creative mind behind Benjamin.

Ms Morgan painted in layers to create a final product with depth.

“I wasn’t going for a realistic looking Tassie Tiger/koala,” Ms Morgan said.

“I wanted a kind of cartoon effect because it [Thylacine] doesn’t exist any more.

“I think I got that – it has got a kind of scratchy drawn feel to it.”

Benjamin will take up residence as part of Sea Acres Rainforest Centre’s Save our Koalas.

The new educational attraction will see five Hello Koalas sculptures, with an environmental theme, placed on the boardwalk.

The June 5 opening is one of the highlights of the Hello Koalas Festival.

The inaugural festival continues to focus attention on the importance of koala conservation.

Meanwhile, Mike Roache from the Office of Environment and Heritage will give a free public talk at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre about Saving our Species Iconic Koala Project on June 5 at 11am. 

Reserve a seat by emailing info@hellokoalas.com or calling 6582 3355.