Port Central, Port Macquarie - Lewis the Koala

In 2019-20, the Australian skies turned red, lit up by the most devastating and deadliest fires in the country’s recorded history. Caught in the flames were the animals, the final toll equating to 3 billion either killed or displaced. The most famous of these victims was a little koala named Lewis who was pulled from the flames by the immensely brave Toni Doherty. Cared for by The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, the dedicated team realised his burns were too much for him and he passed away.

In memory of Lewis and all the animals who were affected by the Australian Bushfires, Gillie and Marc created a beautiful bronze sculpture of Lewis wrapped in his bandages and gifted it to the Port Central Shopping Centre in Port Macquarie. The sculpture is a symbol of the importance of conservation, the devastating effects of climate change, and the need to act. It is also a symbol of the interconnectedness of all species. Toni Doherty risked her life for another species. Hers is a story for all of us to be inspired by and remember that we are all in this together.