In the Media 2005

One girl's trash is another's treasure
15 April 2005
Sunshine Coast Daily, page 15
By: Belinda Warren

Bargains Galore at garage sale.
If you are in the market for an iron, some retro clothes, artwork or the odd bit of celebrity paraphernalia then head off to Beerwah’s Great Garage Sale tomorrow.

The sale has become an annual event involving the community, businesses and the Zoo, with staff and celebrities donating items from the garage sale held in the Zoo’s car park.

Local businesses offer discounts while residents join in by hosting their own garage sales at their homes.

All proceeds will go towards the Koala and Wildlife Hospital, a project of the non-for-profit organisation, Wildlife Warriors Worldwide Ltd, which was previously known as the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation.

Hospital manager Gail Gipp said koalas had become a priority for the hospital after they were declared a vulnerable species in March last year.

“Koalas come into our care because they are victims of dog attacks and car accidents. They also suffer from conjunctivitis and Chlamydia,” Ms Gipp said.

“What makes us unique is that unlike most vet practices, we don’t have a consult with an owner in regards to the cost when fixing an animal. Our job is to look at each animal on an individual basis and if we can help them we do – no matter what the cost.”

Depending on the extent of the injury, koalas and other wildlife can stay in care at the hospital anywhere from an hour or two to several months.

The team showed their dedication last year when they performed surgery on a green tree frog.