Celebrating the Heart of Koala Conservation: Meet Lillian

As part of our International Volunteer Year series, we’re proud to introduce Lillian — a volunteer whose journey with Koala Conservation Australia began as a university requirement and quickly became something much more meaningful.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at KCA.

I volunteer across two very different but equally important areas of KCA. One day a week I support the office team, assisting with general administration — answering emails and phone calls, processing data entry, and even helping with banking.

I also spend a day each week in koala care, where I help maintain the breeding koalas’ yards, ensuring they are clean and tidy while keeping a close eye on joey and mum behaviours to make sure everything is progressing as it should.

It’s a role that blends behind-the-scenes support with hands-on conservation — and I love both spaces.

How long have you been volunteering with KCA?

Almost two years now — and counting.

Why did you start volunteering at KCA?

What began as a university requirement quickly turned into something I don’t want to leave.

As part of my course, I needed to complete 40 hours of volunteering in my first semester. But after experiencing the environment, the team and the work firsthand, I knew I wanted to stay!

What is your background or experience outside of KCA?

I'm in my third year of studying Environmental Science and Management, majoring in conservation — so my volunteer roles align closely with my academic passions.

And when I'm not studying or volunteering? I'm a ballet teacher at a local recreational dance studio.

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

When I started at KCA, I had only been living in the area for about a month and was finding it difficult to make connections.

Volunteering changed that.

Over the past two years, I've met people I may never have crossed paths with otherwise — friendships that have become deeply important. It’s a reminder that conservation work doesn’t just protect wildlife — it builds community.

Are you able to use your skills in your volunteer role?

Absolutely.

Answering phone calls and emails allows me to use my customer service skills — something I hadn’t had the opportunity to do since moving away from home. 

It’s a two-way exchange: I give her time to KCA, and gain practical experience that supports my future career.

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

I always assumed volunteer positions would always be full and that I might not get a chance.

In reality, there are always opportunities available — and flexibility too. If a role isn’t the right fit, there’s room to move and find something that better aligns with your interests.

What does your role involve day to day?

In the office, I answer customer enquiries and rescue reports, responds to emails, and prepare adoption packs ready to be sent out.

In koala care, my days involve sweeping the gunyah areas, checking koala scat health, changing out food leaves, completing leaf preparation for the next team, and sometimes cleaning the leaf fridge bins — essential but often unseen work that keeps the care systems running smoothly.

What’s the most rewarding part?

Nothing quite compares to watching joeys grow.

Seeing them become big and brave enough to venture away from their mums is incredibly special. It’s nearly impossible not to melt when a joey looks at you with wide, curious eyes.

Rescue stories are equally powerful — especially when a sick or injured koala, particularly a joey, is treated, rehabilitated and eventually released back into the wild. Watching them grow strong in home care and return to their habitat is the best.

How does your role help support koala conservation?

Office support keeps the 24/7 rescue line operating — ensuring koalas are rescued and treated as quickly as possible when found sick or injured, increasing their chances of survival and release.

In the breeding program, careful monitoring helps ensure koalas are kept safe, healthy and supported while raising their joeys — contributing directly to future generations.

Every task, no matter how small it may seem, feeds into the bigger conservation picture.

What does being part of this community mean to you?

Being part of KCA means being surrounded by like-minded people who share my passion for the environment and conservation.

In a world where not everyone shares that focus, having a community that understands and values those interests is incredibly important.

What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering at KCA?

You should do it.

And as Lillian’s story shows, sometimes what starts as a course requirement becomes a calling.