AS Koalas in Care approach its 10 year anniversary, owner Christeen McLeod would like to send a simple message to the community - "make the phone call".
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Often, Christeen says if a koala is hit by a car the most serious problems occur when the koala is either not treated straight away, or hit several more times, before they are contacted.
"Often in car accidents mums with back babies are separated," Christeen said.
"The babies still need their mum for protection and nutrition.
"So if you hit a koala, call us the babies could still be around. Even if they ran up a tree it doesn't mean they are okay.
"Even if there is no blood, they still need to be checked.
"We rely on the general public to notify us."
Christeen and her husband Paul, along with their team of dedicated volunteers, are trained to take the best care possible of these furry friends.
They have a close relationship with Taree Veterinary Hospital, with examination and checks up carried out by Koalas in Care patron Dr Donald Hood. The Koalas in Care sanctuary reflects names of wards you would find at a hospital.
There is the critical care area, a nursery, humidity cribs and an intensive care area.
Increasingly these areas are being filled as quickly as hospital beds.
Previously, Koalas in Care would expect around 35 to 40 koalas per annum.
Between 2013 and 2014 these numbers have increased to 100.
Christeen cites stress as the major reason behind the climb in numbers.
"Koalas are very territorial, if they loose their habitat in residential subdivision, they become stressed and more susceptible to disease.
"Chlamydia doesn't have to be a death sentence, if they get here soon enough.
Christeen and her husband, Paul have been caring for local koalas for 22 years.
Between sharing the two daily shifts of cleaning, feeding and attending to any illness or injuries, the pair also collect fresh, local leaf for up to two hours during the week.
The work is becoming increasingly taxing on the pair.
Despite this being their passion in life, to continue, they need donations.
"Koalas in Care is not government funded, we receive only a small amount from National Parks," finished Christeen.
Donations can be made by direct deposit or PayPal to 'Koalas in Care Inc'.
Currently they are looking for more volunteers to transport used leaf to the dump.
Koalas in Care cover Greater Taree, Great Lakes and Gloucester areas of NSW, if you need assistance with a koala don't hesitate to call the 24-hour hotline on 6552 2183. For more information on the work they do, their website is http://www.koalasincare.org.au/
o Know where your pets are
If you live near the bush or on property, make sure your animals are locked up at night or you know where they are, says Christeen.
Koalas are often attacked by pets.
o Stop, and make the phone call
Accidents do happen, but the team at Koalas in Care urge drivers to call straight away.
"The biggest problems are caused by a koala being hit several times," said Christeen.
o Unsure, make the call
If you see a koala that looks diseased, contact Koalas in Care for further assistance.
Koalas in Care has a 24-hour hotline.
Please ring 6552 2183 if you find a sick or injured koala on the road.
