“Koala Clancy of the You Yangs”, a brand new childrens book about the real life adventures of a wild koala, will be launched onstage at 12noon, Sunday 31st May 2015 at Reconciliation in the Park, Johnstone Park, Geelong, followed by a book signing by the author, indigenous koala expert Melinda King.

The book follows the drama as Koala Clancy leaves his mum and travels to his new bush home in the weed-crowded You Yangs. Luckily for Koala Clancy, though, tourists come from all over the world to remove weeds to make his home healthy.

“I really wanted to raise awareness of the troubles that koalas face, and educate the kids in my community, as they hold the future of the koala in their hands” said Ms King. “I hope that the next generations can get an understanding from a young age of what they can do to keep koalas in the wild forever.”

The book has been published by social enterprise Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours as part of their Make a Home for Koala Clancy conservation project.

Janine Duffy of Echidna Walkabout said "This book is a proud collaboration between indigenous knowledge and tourism, and heralds the start of a local and international education program about conservation of our native species. Tourism can educate, and can bring benefit to local and indigenous communities through projects like this one."

The book will be available for online sales. All proceeds go to making homes for wild koalas.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melinda King is an inspirational Aboriginal Guide, koala researcher, author and passionate wildlife educator. Mel's passion for koalas started young: she was just 12 years old when she first started researching koalas in the Brisbane Ranges and You Yangs near Geelong, Victoria. At 26 years of age she is one of Australia's youngest, but most experienced koala field researchers. Mel works for wildlife tourism operator Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours.

ABOUT ECHIDNA WALKABOUT:

Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours is an award-winning, mission-driven social enterprise that offers conservation programs and wildlife tours for international travellers, local volunteers and educational groups. “Koala Clancy of the You Yangs” is published by Echidna Walkabout, and all proceeds go to the Make a Home for Koala Clancy conservation program which removes over 70,000 invasive weeds every year. Research has shown koala sightings increased to 370% since the beginning of the program.

About the book: http://www.echidnawalkabout.com.au/koala-clancy-book