Tahmoor helps Tasmanian Devils and Koalas with their new home

New arrivals a boost to sanctuary’s conversation efforts

Tahmoor Coking Coal is proud to have enabled the arrival of three Tasmanian Devils and two koalas at the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary (AWS) at Bargo in New South Wales, after its sponsorship grant was used to build their new enclosures. 

An official ceremony was held on Friday, 27 November to welcome the recently arrived koalas and devils with Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan, Wollondilly Shire councillors and Tahmoor Coking Coal Executive General Manager, Peter Vale among those in attendance. 

Tahmoor Coking Coal is thrilled to continue our great partnership with such a worthy organisation as the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary. The conservation and education work they do is truly remarkable and delivered with passion

Executive General Manager, Peter Vale

AWS Managing Director Brad Wilson said it was a groundbreaking moment for the sanctuary to have such unique animals making their home at Bargo. 

“The ability for our small sanctuary to be on the forefront of conservation programs whether it be our breeding programs or conservation through education is just so good,” Brad said. 

“The sanctuary is recognised now by many organisations as the real deal, and this is proven by our accreditation with ZAA Zoo and Aquarium Association which was a 3-year process and the trust we have built with other large zoological institutions.” 

Executive General Manager, Peter Vale said it was an honour for Tahmoor Coking Coal to be an ongoing sponsor of the sanctuary and this milestone event for these special native animals. Tahmoor has been a long-term sponsor of the AWS with support over the past four years for many significant projects. 

“Tahmoor Coking Coal is thrilled to continue our great partnership with such a worthy organisation as the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary. The conservation and education work they do is truly remarkable and delivered with passion.” Peter said. 

“The dedicated care, research, and conservation efforts of AWS safeguards the future of our unique wildlife. Partnering together, we can ensure a future where Australia’s wildlife thrives in a healthy and sustainable environment.” 

The devils were obtained by the sanctuary in partnership with Tasmania Zoo as part of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program initiative between Tasmania Government and ZAA Zoo and Aquarium Association. The three female devils provided by Tasmania Zoo are retired from the breeding program but their presence at Bargo will allow ZAA Zoo and Aquarium Association more space to continue its breeding and conservation program back in Tasmania. 

Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan thanked the sanctuary for the opportunity to open this ‘amazing’ new addition to the centre.

“It is one of the forgotten treasures in Wollondilly and it does so much for preservation of native animals,” Ms Hannan said.

“I thank Tahmoor Coking Coal for entering into a three-year partnership with Australian Wildlife Sanctuary to support the development of a Koala Sanctuary and Tasmanian Devil Enclosure.

“I also thank the vision of the staff at the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary, their vision in conserving what we have here in Wollondilly and adding the conservation and protection of other animals makes the sanctuary more special.”

Tahmoor provided grants for the construction of the enclosures and an upcoming Koala Rehabilitation Centre as part of its $115,000 sponsorship to the sanctuary. 

Images – Top right: One of the new resident koalas. Middle right: The Tasmanian Devils make themselves at home in their new enclosure. Above right: Tahmoor Coking Coal Executive General Manager Peter Vale, Aboriginal Elder Aunty Karen Adams, Wollondilly MP Judy Hannan and Australian Wildlife Sanctuary Managing Director Brad Wilson at the official opening of the enclosures.