wildlife trust
We need your help
The North Queensland Wildlife Trust (NQWT) was established in 2004 by the Freeman family who own and operate Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda.
The Trust financially supports the conservation of native fauna and local habitats, focusing on ‘hands-on’ projects.
Visitors to the wildlife parks are encouraged to donate their spare change at the various collection boxes. For each dollar collected, the business holding the donation box matches the cash collected, dollar for dollar. Conditions apply; individual contributions are matched up to the value of $100.
At Hartley’s, visitors are encouraged to place their recyclable drink containers in the dedicated recycling bins. All proceeds from the Contains for Change program go to the Trust. In addition, for every souvenir wildlife photo sold at Hartley’s and Koala Gardens, a levy of $2.00 goes to the North Queensland Wildlife Trust.
Community Grants
Since inception, the North Queensland Wildlife Trust has distributed more than $500,000 to local conservation groups and researchers with Deductable Gift Recipient (DGR) Status. To comply with Australian Taxation Office requirements, NQWT can only distribute funds to DGR approved not-for-profit organisations.
The North Queensland Wildlife Trust has financially supported (to name a few):
- Magnetic Island Koala Hospital
- Sunshine Coast University
- Frog Safe
- Tree Roo Rescue and Conservation Centre
- Rainforest Rescue
- Yungaburra Landcare
- Fitzroy Island Turtle Hospital
- James Cook University
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy
- Great Barrier Reef Restoration
- Great Barrier Reef Legacy
- The Bat and Tree Society of Cairns
- Gondwana Rainforest Trust
Applying for funds
All applications for funds from the NQWT must be in writing, preferably by completing the official Application Form. Each application will be assessed on its worthiness to conserve native species and local habitats, and the availability of funding. A limited pool of funds is available each year.