A quilt designed to highlight the plight of koalas in the wild is being raffled for conservation support.
Dulcie Ryan, 80 of Warialda, NSW, created the Koala Quilt to support conservation efforts to save the animals as their numbers dwindle from bushfires that decimate habitats and logging that wipes out entire families.
"I've always loved Australian animals, and in my part of the world, you only have to look outside to spot them. But I learned that Koalas are at risk, and I wanted to do my part to help them. Creating a quilt was the best way I could contribute," she said.
The key patchwork imagery of various koalas on the quilt - which has hues of greys, pinks, and greens - aims to highlight the animals' distinct personalities.
"Like you and me, each Koala has unique qualities and their own life stories. Hopefully, people see that in the quilt and remember that the Koalas are worth saving, and their stories are worth telling," she said.
It took her a week of ceaseless sewing, peddling, and patching to finish.
Initially intended to be donated to the NSW bushfires and bring some relief to the wild koalas who suffered, Ms Ryan donated the Koala Quilt to the Australian Koala Foundation to be raffled off. There are 100 tickets available, valued at $15 each. The winner of the Koala Quilt be announced upon the sale of the last ticket.
Foundation chair Deborah Tabart OAM said the quilt is more than a donation.
"Art has the incredible ability to convey emotions and messages that words sometimes fail to express. The Koala Quilt has become a focal point for raising awareness and is already igniting conversations about the urgent need to help the koala."
Raffle tickets and more information about the foundation's work can be found here.
