Trust Talks - The Science of Saving Koalas

You are warmly invited to a special event in the National Trust’s 2025 Trust Talks Series, showcasing groundbreaking scientific efforts to protect one of Australia’s most iconic species.

Over the past three decades, Koala admissions at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital have risen dramatically. More than 60% of cases are linked to chlamydia, a widespread and devastating disease contributing to the species' vulnerable status in Queensland and New South Wales. Of the remaining 40%, many koalas still show early signs of the disease.

In response, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital launched a world-leading Koala vaccine research program in 2020. Today, every koala treated at the hospital is vaccinated against chlamydia before being released back into the wild—a major milestone in Koala conservation.

Join Dr Michael Pyne OAM, Head of Veterinary Science and Research Programs at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, as he shares the urgent work underway to prevent the localised extinction of Koalas and discusses the promising results of this applied research program. He will be joined by Professor Ken Beagley, the immunologist behind the vaccine, and Dr Lyndall Hulse, who is leading pioneering genetic and DNA methylation research to better understand and protect koala populations.

This is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from the experts leading one of Australia’s most significant wildlife conservation initiatives.

Following the talk, guests are invited to join an optional private tour of the Wild State exhibition at the Queensland Museum.

 

When: Thursday 21^st August 2025

• 10:00 am - Morning Tea & Networking
• 10:30 am - Start - Welcome from National Trust Queensland and Queensland Museum CEO Dr Jim Thompson
• 11:00 am - Panel Discussion
• 11.45 am - Questions and Invitation to join Private Tour of the Museum
• Noon - Trust Talks conclude

Where:  Queensland Museum Kurilpa | Brisbane

Corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Bank, South Brisbane, Queensland

Getting to Queensland Museum Kurlipa

Once at the museum, the Theatre can be accessed from Level 1.5 through the Minerals Gallery. Please see the downloadable map.

Museum Map

Tickets: $30 per person (Includes morning tea, Trust Talks and optional Private Tour of Level 4, the Discovery Centre and Wild State Exhibition)

RSVP by: Thursday,14th August 2025 

 

100% of proceeds support National Trust  Queensland’s mission to protect Australia’s natural and cultural heritage.

 

Trust Talks Location and Connection