HBF is set to improve the health and habitat of the world’s largest known quokka population, firming up a new partnership with the Rottnest Foundation.
Upgrading the Rottnest nursery for the treatment of sick and injured quokkas as well as existing shed facilities to propagate, store and treat seeds on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) are on the list of initiatives that HBF and the Rottnest Foundation will collaborate on under the arrangement.
“While HBF has participated in our conservation activities for some time now, this additional level of support will further enhance the ecosystem on the island for the quokkas,”
Rottnest Foundation ambassador Jeff King said.
“It’s vital for nursery operations because the shed gets icy cold in winter and is sweltering in summer. Community, corporate and government support is essential to the ongoing sustainability of Rottnest Island.”
HBF will also help establish a new grow-out area for semi-mature trees and extra outdoor storage space for tree planting equipment and will set up four large-scale volunteering opportunities for its employees to engage in throughout 2023.
These sessions will accommodate 50 people at a time and will include planting at a woodland site dedicated to HBF’s partnership with the Rottnest Foundation.
“We have a great affection for the quokkas and what they mean to Australians,”
HBF Executive General Manager People and Corporate Affairs, Amy Stanley, said.
“Since our advertising campaign with the quokkas began, we’ve worked with the Rottnest Foundation to assist with conservation initiatives through our workplace volunteering program, so it made sense that our next partnership under our Community Engagement Program was dedicated to making a tangible difference to the survival of the species.”
Kristi Annear, who manages HBF’s Community Engagement Program, said Rottnest Island held positive associations for employees and members alike.
“HBF employees roll up their sleeves and help a variety of not-for-profit organisations through volunteering and the Rottnest Foundation is one organisation that many of them are particularly passionate about,” she said.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to formalise the relationship between our two organisations and to give back in this way.”
More information on HBF's new partnership with the Rottnest Foundation can be found here.
Media Contact:
Mira Burayou, HBF Corporate Affairs – corporateaffairs@hbf.com.au or Mira.Burayou@hbf.com.au or 0423 020 139
About HBF
HBF was founded more than 80 years ago in Perth and has provided private health insurance to generations of Western Australians. HBF has expanded to be Australia's second largest not-for-profit health fund, providing hospital and ancillary insurance to approximately 1.1 million members nationwide. HBF is also becoming a more active participant in health services through the recent acquisition of physiotherapy business Life Ready, ongoing expansion of HBF Dental, its partnership with TerryWhite Chemmart outside of WA and an ongoing alliance with Pharmacy 777 in WA. HBF is committed to actively connecting with and supporting the communities in which it operates as a trusted member-based organisation. Visit hbf.com.au