Grassroots conservation in action

Recipient: Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue (SKER) 

Grant: $2,675 

Purpose: Habitat restoration and native wildlife support 

South Australia’s biodiversity is under significant threat, with many native species and ecosystems facing decline due to factors such as habitat destruction, introduced predators, and prolonged drought.  

Partnering with local organisations through our grants program is one of the ways that the City of Onkaparinga is seeking to reverse environmental damage and revive threatened ecosystems.  

The Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue (SKER) is a local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation charity providing urgent care for injured, sick, and orphaned koalas and echidnas. 

Over the past five years, the team – supported by over 40 volunteers, a full-time vet and a part-time veterinary nurse – has planted more than 1,000 native trees, shrubs and groundcovers, while also removing invasive weed species that had long threatened local biodiversity. The result is a healthier, more balanced ecosystem that is seeing native wildlife return. 

Using an annual Onkaparinga grant awarded, SKER created refuges across its 22-acre Onkaparinga Hills property to support koalas, echidnas, woodland birds, insect and microbats.  

Operations Manager Mish Simpson says contributing to the restoration of native habitat is deeply meaningful.  

“It goes beyond planting trees — it’s about healing the landscape, creating safe spaces for wildlife, and taking tangible action to address the environmental pressures facing our native species.” 

Most recently the team planted 30 eucalyptus trees specifically for leaf harvesting – an essential food source for koalas in care. On average, the team collects 35–50 kilograms of fresh eucalyptus weekly, feeding the 10–12 koalas typically in care at any one time. 

“Ultimately, we hope this work will contribute to a self-sustaining ecosystem that can continue to thrive with minimal intervention, while also serving as a living example of how community-driven conservation efforts can restore and protect native environments for the future,” Mish said. 

“Every tree planted, every weed removed, and every animal released back into healthy habitat is a reminder of the positive impact we can have.”