About
Koala Research Foundation Australia is partnering with world leading researchers in the Koala Health and Rehabilitation Collaborative for a pioneering research and chlamydia vaccination program, and the captive breeding and release of wild koalas.
Our Purpose
Save Our Species
There are already several reputable local and national organisations committed to issues like habitat loss, diseases and providing world-class care to sick or injured koalas across Australia.
The purpose of the KRFA is to establish a program to focus on the conservation and preservation the koala species in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Once we have established a successful framework, we will share the program with a wider koala population.
All funds donated to the KRFA are exclusively exclusively for research, vaccinations, captive breeding and tracking, and in accordance with our ACNC & DGR1 status.
Our Researchers
The project team Is led by Dr Michael Pyne and supported by Professor Ken Beagley (QUT), Associate Professor Steve Johnston (UQ) and Ecologist John Callaghan.
Dr Michael Pyne OAM
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital
Dr. Michael Pyne, a revered wildlife veterinarian, has led Australia’s wildlife conservation for more than 20 years. As the Senior Vet and General Manager at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, he provides exceptional care to over 14,000 wildlife cases annually, overseeing a dedicated team. His commitment to wildlife preservation inspires the conservation community.
Professor Ken Beagley
Queensland University of Technology
Ken Beagley is a Professor of Immunology at Queensland University of Technology who has spent 35 years working in the areas of reproductive and mucosal immunology. His interests focus on immunity to chlamydia in humans and koalas, and his research developed the first vaccine to prevent the infection in Koalas.
Associate Professor Steve Johnston
University of Queensland
A/Prof Stephen Johnston is a trained zoologist and specialises in reproductive biology. He has worked with a broad diversity of species with a major focus on Australian mammals, including koalas. He recently conducted a study to better understand the effect of chlamydia on male koala reproduction, as well as other reproduction related projects.
Administration and Program Partner
Digital Infratech, the administration and program partner in KRFA, is a prominent local technology, health, and property business. Led by director Allan Larkin.
Digital Infratech is committed to 100% of all funding raised to be used exclusively for research, vaccinations, captive breeding and tracking. All KRFA overheads and administration will be funded by Digital Infratech.
Directors
Murray d’Almeida
Director
Allan Larkin
Director
Allan Larkin has had more than 30 years’ experience in construction and property and is now focused on supporting a suite of Australian businesses in sustainability, innovation, and environment.
Doug Buerger
Director
Doug Buerger is a geologist with more than 40 years’ experience in the minerals industry with 13 years as Managing Director and CEO of a gold mining company.
Greg Jenke
Director
Greg Jenke is a former Hospital CEO with 38 years’ experience as a senior healthcare executive of both public and private hospitals in four states.
Ben Crompton
Company Secretary
Ben Crompton is a Chartered Accountant and Solicitor from the Gold Coast, with experience in both accounting and law who runs his own practice.
Our Partners
Research Partners
University of Queensland
Queensland University of Technology
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital
Administration and Program Partner
Help us save the species.
The research program brings together world experts in the fields of koala biology and medicine. Its strength lies in collaboration and the integration of unique and complimentary expertise, from The University of Queensland, QUT, and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
Koala Research and Vaccination
Support a pioneering koala research and chlamydia vaccination program on Australia’s east coast and join the fight to save our species.