Community
4 December, 2025
Wildlife sanctuary in the spotlight
Local wildlife warriors have used a major conference in Sydney to promote the work being done to protect wildlife in the Southern Highlands.
Local wildlife warriors have used a major conference in Sydney to promote the work being done to protect wildlife in the Southern Highlands.
The Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary (SHWS) was selected as the official Impact Partner for this year’s FACTS 2025 conference in Sydney and made the most of the opportunity to speak with prospective sponsors and supporters.
FACTS (Festival of Corporate and Travel Summits) is considered the biggest corporate travel, meetings and events gatherings in the Southern Hemisphere.
John Creighton and Peter Lewis were both at FACTS 2025 late last month spreading the word about the work they are doing to champion global tourism and to bring Australian koalas back from the brink.
“The urgency of this initiative is significant,” they said in a statement.
“Koala numbers in New South Wales have plummeted from an estimated two million to as few as 95,000 in just over a century.
“With disease affecting 80 per cent of the population, extinction in the wild is possible by 2050, threatening Australia's most iconic species, biodiversity, and identity.”
Mr Creighton and Mr Lewis encouraged conference attendees to “fuel positive change and strengthen regional tourism” by:
· Backing rescue and rehabilitation efforts for koalas, wombats and other local species;
· Powering research, education and eco-tourism initiatives that draw visitors to Bundanoon year-round;
· Joining a partnership dedicated to ensuring Australia’s wildlife, natural heritage, and nature-based economy thrive for generations.
Mr Lewis told The Southern Wire that there had been a “fabulous” amount of support from conference delegates with promises of donations and support.
He said additional financial support would help SHWS invest in an educational centre and research facility.
Mr Lewis said SHWS was “here for the long haul” and was committed to a combination of research, habitat and education.
Read More: Southern Highlands