Koalas under care in Port Macquarie have had a prestigious visit by the Governor of New South Wales.
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His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and Linda Hurley toured the the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital on Friday, February 22.
They were welcomed by koalas and volunteers alike with the vice regal couple taking time out for afternoon tea.
"They (koalas) are so emblematic of Australia, and institutions such as this hospital since 1973 are doing a great job," he said.
"Many of these animals unfortunately will never be released and many will be in the near term.
"There's a responsibility for all of us to look after these animals... once they are gone they are gone."
The Governor said the facility's many volunteers were key to the operations of the hospital.
"Volunteering is really central to what happens in NSW so volunteers are an important part of our economy and society," he said.
"This place here wouldn't run without volunteers, there's something like 150 on their books and an institution that has 150,000 people come through the gates each year you cannot do that without volunteers.
"I give them a big thanks for keeping this going, the professionals help the animals but the volunteers keep it going."
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