About us
The Ipswich Koala Protection Society (IKPS) Inc was established in October 1994 and was originally known as the Woogaroo Koala Protection Society.
In 2000 the name changed as the need for koala rescue outgrew the Woogaroo Creek area. Now we no longer rescue only within the confines of Ipswich, travelling in excess of 20,000 kilometres per year on koala rescues alone.
IKPS has a dedicated koala and wildlife ambulance that runs 24/7 and rescues in excess of 180 koalas per year as well as countless numbers of other native wildlife.
Check us out on Facebook
We keep and maintain extensive records, statistics and mapping of koalas and koala habitat that is utilised to identify koala habitat and populations in and around the local area.
Education plays a critical role in what we do - displays, workshops, forums, conferences and working closely with Local, State and Federal Government agencies has become an important resource in the conservation and protection of koala habitat.
OUR AIMS
Stimulate and foster appreciation of koala populations in the Ipswich region, and improve awareness of their importance in securing SE region, and improve awareness of their importance in securing SE Queensland koalas into the future.
Engage with land managers, local government officers and the general public at events and meetings.
Retain, expand and enhance koala eucalypt woodland habitat in the Ipswich region.
Encourage and support local landholders to plant trees and connect existing remnant habitat.
Improve people’s understanding of the threats koalas face in our landscape.
Provide information about the practical ways everyone can reduce their role in these threats, being part of the solution rather than the problem.
Show how by working together we can make an actual difference because together we are stronger.
Specialise in koala rescue, providing the service our community expects: support wildlife rescue in general and IKPS wildlife carers in particular; promote excellence in wildlife rescue and care; improve understanding of the Code of Practice.*
* Code of Practice - Care of sick, injured or orphaned protected animals in Queensland
Meet our Executive Team
Ruth
InTERIM PRESIDENT
Treasurer
Life Member
past President
Ruth’s journey with wildlife started over 30 years ago raising flying foxes, macropods, possums and lots of other critters in between. She became involved with rescuing koalas which led her to IKPS in 1995.
Ruth’s association with IKPS and in particular Ric Nattrass (founder of IKPS) has been rewarding and fulfilling. Following in Ric’s footsteps Ruth was President for almost 25 of our 30 years. Ruth’s involvement with rescuing and hand raising koalas led to her accidently securing a position as a Wildlife Ranger with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, a combination that has taught her so much and made life long friends along the way.
Ruth’s kids, including Annette (Vice President/niece) have grown up with wildlife as part of their normal life, and now she is able to share that passion with grandkids – teaching them to respect the environment and our unique wildlife. It’s been a long, rewarding and sometimes emotionally challenging journey but one she wouldn’t change.
ANNETTE
Secretary
Annette has been a member of IKPS since the age of seven helping rescue, raise and release wildlife with her Aunty (Ruth). She is Ipswich born and bread and now raises her own family locally. With her love for animals Annette started as a young volunteer at the Moggill Koala Hospital and her early professional career saw her as a Veterinary Nurse.
In a change of course, Annette now has over 15 years experience working in large government agencies, with over 10 years managing corporate governance, service operations, planning and improvements.