A long-held dream to give koalas a dedicated space to heal has officially become a reality, with the opening of the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Koala and Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility near Mount Jukes.
The facility, located on the property of Alison and Chris Pighills, has been purpose-built to support the recovery of injured and orphaned wildlife across Central Queensland, with koalas now set to benefit from a safe and natural rehabilitation space.
The site will include a fully enclosed 40m x 40m bushland area planted with ironbark and Queensland blue gum trees to help koalas relearn how to climb, forage and grow strong before being released.
A treatment room, isolation area and outdoor enclosures have also been established, with Chris Pighills behind the construction of much of the infrastructure.
Mayor Greg Williamson was on hand for the official opening and praised the Pighills and the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays group for their vision and dedication.
“Isn’t this sensational for our region,” Cr Williamson said.
“Looking after our wildlife is part of a whole community.”
“Along with the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays group, Alison’s passion for protecting wildlife is inspirational. It takes a vision and a drive, we’re exceptionally proud of what you have built here.”
“Without the generosity of the community, everyone who has contributed to this wonderful facility for our wildlife, I think you should be very proud. This facility will do a lot of great work for our region, thanks to the wildlife rescue volunteers.”
The sanctuary will operate as a key recovery site for a large catchment area, with animals transported from as far south as Yeppoon, west to Clermont and north to Bowen.
“This facility will take in wildlife from a very large coverage area,” Cr Williamson said.
“With a 24-hour hotline, it takes a lot of passion and a lot of drive to make this work.”
The rehabilitation centre also strengthens local capacity to respond quickly to wildlife emergencies, with enclosures tailored to the specific needs of each species and a peaceful bush setting ideal for rehabilitation and recovery.
Alison, who serves as treasurer and koala coordinator for Fauna Rescue Whitsundays, has been caring for wildlife on her property for almost a decade.
From possums and wallabies to bats and koalas, her efforts have already seen hundreds of animals returned to the wild.
Now the sanctuary marks a new chapter—not just for Alison and Chris, but for every injured koala that will soon be climbing toward a second chance.
Supporters, volunteers, and community leaders joined Alison Pighills to celebrate the opening of the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Koala and Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility, including Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, Yuibera Traditional Owner Philip Kemp, and members of local organisations who helped bring the project to life. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
Yuibera Traditional Owner Philip Kemp (right) and Mayor Greg Williamson helped mark the official opening of the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Koala and Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility with a symbolic tree planting
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