Developing the Idea

The Koala000 app is the result of a prize-winning submission to KOALA SMART in 2019.

Kempsey Adventist High School (KAS) students, Josh, Abby,  Ellia, and Alara (pictured below with Kempsey Mayor, Elizabeth Campbell) designed and prototyped the Koala 000 app which was recognized with top honours as part of the Koala Smart project in 2019.

KAS students wanted to simplify and improve koala rescue. This app will allow members of the public to send detailed information back to a local rescue organisation when a koala in trouble is found. The app captures GPS coordinates, so an exact location is stored in the cloud to create a clear picture of the koala’s location, reducing the time needed to find the injured animal.

While the pandemic hindered progress, the concept is now being fully developed and piloted by ex-students at Charles Sturt University under the supervision of Dr Sabih Rehman. It is currently being trialled by rescuers with the Koala Hospital and Lions members. We are excited at the prospect of it being used by the public in the not-too-distant future.