Celebrating the Heart of Koala Conservation Australia: Our Volunteers. Meet Roslyn

In 2026, we’re proud to celebrate International Volunteer Year by shining a light on the people who make our work possible — our extraordinary volunteers.

Behind every koala rescued, every joey nurtured, every visitor welcomed and every tree planted, there is a volunteer giving their time, energy and heart to protect Australia’s koalas. Their contributions are as diverse as the roles they play, but they are united by a shared love for wildlife and a deep commitment to making a difference.

Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing the stories of individual volunteers from across Koala Conservation Australia (KCA) — the carers, rescuers, guides, educators, maintenance team, behind-the-scenes helpers and advocates who show up day after day, often quietly and without fanfare. Through these stories, you’ll meet the people behind the passion and learn what inspires them, what volunteering means to them, and why they choose to stand up for koalas.

This series is our way of saying thank you — and of celebrating the community spirit that drives conservation forward. We hope these stories inspire you as much as these volunteers inspire us. 💛

Meet Roslyn (Ros) Hodge

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at KCA

I am fortunate to have 2 roles at KCA - Retail Shop Assistance and Visitor Guide.

Both of these roles provide me with an opportunity to use my background work experiences. As a Primary School Teacher and School Principal, I'm very comfortable in talking to visitors at the Wild Koala Breeding Visitor Centre, and the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, and in particular - children!

On retirement I felt the need to mix with people, rather than looking at spending time on my own, as I don't have any immediate family close by.

How long have you been volunteering with KCA?

I'm not exactly sure of how many years I've volunteered with KCA, but I've worked at both the Koala Hospital and the Wild Koala Breeding Centre at Guulabaa - Place of Koala

Were you new to the area when you joined? Has volunteering helped you meet new people?

Yes! I had only been in the Port area for a short period before I started volunteering and I have made some good friends and met many wonderful people at both locations!

Are you able to use your skills (eg trade, admin etc) in your volunteer role?

As a teacher and part time non-teaching opportunities from a young age (working in a cake shop) and other holiday jobs, I'm very comfortable and happy in my volunteer roles.

What's something that people don't realise about volunteering at KCA?

Volunteering at Koala Conservation Australia has added greatly to my knowledge and understanding of koalas as I had very little knowledge prior to joining KCA.

What does your role involve day to day?

My role as a Guide enables me to explain to visitors why koala conservation is the most important reason for our work as the future of these iconic Australian animals is in our hands. Through the breeding program and the resident koalas, we are able to tell their story and contribute to their future, because without our endeavours it will be short lived.

What's the most rewarding part?

My reasons for volunteering are two-fold: I have learnt so much about an Australian icon which I had very little prior knowledge of prior to volunteering, and on the side, I have met many wonderful people working and supporting every aspect of KCA - from the top to the everyday volunteers.

I feel part of a special family and now have a great reason to get out of bed every day.