CO-FOUNDER and president of Bangalow Koalas, Linda Sparrow, has been named Moree Plains Shire Australia Day Ambassador.

Ms Sparrow is a passionate environmental advocate whose work is helping to safeguard the future of Australia’s iconic koalas.

Since founding Bangalow Koalas six years ago, Ms Sparrow has spearheaded the planting of more than 413,000 trees across 150 properties in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, with a goal to reach half-a-million trees by the end of 2025.

Her mission is to create koala corridors connecting fragmented habitats, ensuring a safe and sustainable environment for koalas and other wildlife.

Beyond her environmental work, Ms Sparrow has united individuals, families, farmers, and community groups – including Indigenous and land care organisations – in a collaborative effort that inspires hope and demonstrates the power of collective action.

Her dedication has been recognised with numerous accolades. She was named the Australian Geographic Society’s Conservationist of the Year in 2022 and a New South Wales Australia Day Local Hero Nominee last year.

At the 2022 Australian Geographic Society’s Gala Awards Ray Martin described Ms Sparrow as “someone you’d definitely want alongside you in the trenches”.

Moree Plains Shire Council is honoured to welcome Ms Sparrow as Australia Day Ambassador, where she will join us in celebrating the spirit of community and resilience.

The Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will be held at 8am, Sunday, January 26 at Jellicoe Park, Moree.

Linda Sparrow has been named Moree Plains Shire Australia Day Ambassador (Image: Bangalow Koalas).

Ms Sparrow joins ambassadors across the north-west and New England, including children’s author Ms Susanne Gervay (Uralla Shire Council), foster carer advocate and anti-violence campaigner Astrid Alice Hocking (Gunnedah Shire Council), 2023 NSW Senior Australian of the Year finalist Terrence O’Connell (Walcha Council), motivational speaker Steve Widders (Liverpool Plains Shire Council), keynote speaker and golfer Gary Dawson (Gwydir Shire Council Warialda), and screenwriter and producer Peter Herbert (Glen Innes Severn Council).

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said the ambassadors represent the heart and soul of New South Wales and showcase the community spirit celebrated.

“Our ambassadors are an integral part of the Australia Day in NSW program and will take part in events and activities in communities right around the state,” Mr Graham said.

“I look forward to seeing this year’s group of accomplished Australians inspire communities and unite us as we come together as a nation to respect and reflect.”

For more information on Australia Day events or to learn more about Linda Sparrow’s incredible work, contact the Moree Plains Community Development on (02) 6757 3222.