For centuries, Australians have been waging war on our environment and there’s no arguing the Koalas are on the losing side. With the relentless onslaught on their natural habitat and countless more challenges that threaten their population, the significance of Save the Koala Day (29 September) has never been more important.
Renowned artist Reg Mombassa captures these pressing concerns in his latest collection, “Creatures: Losing the War on Nature”, offering a satirical yet poignant commentary on our complex and destructive relationship with the natural world.
In a significant move, the Australian Koala Foundation has acquired a piece from this exhibition to serve as a flagship symbol for Save the Koala Day.
The acquired artwork portrays a koala in army attire and satirically highlights koalas' challenges in their changing environment. It personifies koalas as relatable characters who, like humans, face adversity on a daily basis.
Reg Mombassa, renowned Mambo artist and musician, told the Sydney Morning Herald that the exhibition’s themes reflect the demise of the koala.
“I’ve been drawing a lot of koalas because they are an endangered species and one of Australia’s most iconic animals. I had this idea that if koalas were a race of humans and they were having their habitat destroyed by another race they would be fighting back.” Mombassa said.
Deborah Tabart OAM, Chair of the Australian Koala Foundation, praised Mombassa’s work.
“Reg’s drawings are nothing short of genius. His cynicism, combined with incredible humour, effectively sheds light on the koalas’ plight.” Tabart said.
On this Save the Koala Day, the Australian Koala Foundation calls on Australians to wear these exclusive items proudly and join the Koala Army – a united force dedicated to protecting and preserving koalas for future generations.
“These exclusive products are a must-have for anyone travelling to show their unity with the Koala Army – a powerful movement fighting for koala justice on this Save the Koala Day.” Tabart said.
By supporting this initiative, you can make a significant contribution to the AKF’s ongoing efforts to ensure a brighter future for koalas. The AKF’s exclusive collection features stylish products with distinctive artwork, offering a tangible way to support koala conservation.
Join the Koala Army on Save the Koala Day. Explore the collection online or at the Warialda Save the Koala Shop. Continue supporting koala conservation by planting a tree, adopting a koala, or making a direct donation to the AKF.
ENDS
Key Facts:
-To celebrate Save the Koala Day (29 September), The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is launching exclusive Reg Mombassa designed products
-Supporters of koala conservation are encouraged to join the AKF's Koala Army to fight for koala protection
- Available for interview I have the Chair of the AKF, Deborah Tabart OAM, also known as the "Koala Woman"
About us:
About the Australian Koala Foundation
The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is the principal non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the conservation and effective management of the wild koala and its habitat. The AKF aims to refine and update the Koala Habitat Atlas mapping of all wild Koala habitat and to get the Koala Protection Act enacted, ensuring longevity of koalas and their habitat.
About Reg Mombassa
Christopher O’Doherty aka Reg Mombassa, is New Zealand-born Australian musician and artist, renowned for his founding membership in the iconic Australian rock band, Mental As Anything. Mombassa is recognized for his unique style and thought-provoking creativity, with his art often exploring themes related to nature, society, and the environment. His distinctive perspective makes him a valuable collaborator for the AKF’s Koala conservation mission.
Contact details:
Contact
[email protected]
Office: (07) 3229 7233
Mobile: 0428 104 255