We are a Landcare group working mainly for Spectacled flying foxes and their habitat, but also for bats of all species, on the Atherton Tablelands, Australia.

Our activities began in 1990, the year tick paralysis was discovered in flying foxes on the Atherton Tablelands. We originally worked with the Spectacled flying foxes resident at the Tolga Scrub, and hence our name. We now work with any bat, megabat or microbat, from anywhere. Bats come to us for rescue from hundreds of kilometres away, and we also take bats for sanctuary who are being retired from zoos.We became incorporated in 2002 as a not-for-profit community group, and we are currently applying to be listed on the Register of Environmental Organisations which will allow us to accept tax-deductible donations.

Photos: Tolga Bat Hospital won Best Non-motorised Float in the local Atherton festival 2004. The theme was cartoon characters and we chose "Batwoman and Friends'. Giant bat costumes were worn by 3 young women on stilts. Our 'friends' were other local environmental groups.

MISSION STATEMENT : We are a community-based organization that promotes public education, partnerships and capacity building while working specifically for the conservation of bats and their habitat.

We followed in the footsteps of Friends of Far North Flying Foxes. Begun in 1990 and incorporated in1993, this group was very active in the 1990s, but from 1998 slowly folded until ceasing in 2002. Their work largely centred around the colonies at Zillie Falls and Whiteing Road on the southern Tablelands. These maternity camps were empty in tick paralysis season from 1999 to 2004, the bats preferring to camp elsewhere. Ann and Bruce Johnson, the mainstay committee members of the group, also moved to Brisbane in early 1999. The group has left a legacy of very informative newsletters and a wonderful network of experienced carers. On 18 August 2002, an AGM of the group voted to fold FFNFF and that all FFNFF funds be transferred to Tolga Bat Rescue and Research Inc. In essence the 2 groups merged.

Each year our work has become more wholistic and wide-ranging. In 2004 we became endorsed as a Landcare group, in recognition of our habitat restoration work at the Tolga Scrub and other flying fox camp sites. "The Landcare Ethic: To protect our environment and way of life now and for future generations, we must carefully manage our land, air, water and biodiversity. "

The OBJECTS of OUR CONSTITUTION 1. Wildlife care. To rescue, rehabilitate and release all species of bats with a high standard of care, as well as provide a sanctuary for some of those who cannot be released. 2. Education. Educate and raise awareness of issues affecting bats, involving (i) bat carers and volunteers (ii) the education community, teachers and students of all ages and disciplines. (iii) the public health, research, scientific and veterinary communities (iv) the general community 3. Actively seek partnerships in the community for all aspects of our work, networking with: (i) other community groups especially those with environmental aims (ii) public health, research, scientific, veterinary and education communities (iii) other local. national and international bat groups 4. Habitat protection. Negotiate with landowners to facilitate the repair and protection of bat habitat, especially the Tolga Scrub. 5. Research. Support ethical research into the general ecology of bats and their management. 6. Advocacy. Advocate for conservation values of bats and their habitat. 7. Recognising the rights and responsibilities of Volunteers. Implementing an increasingly safe and harmonious volunteering environment. 8. Establishment of the Public Fund. To establish and maintain a public fund to be called the Tolga Bat Hospital Fund for the specific purpose of supporting the environmental objects/purposes of Tolga Bat Rescue and Research Inc.

2007 Office Bearers

Our inaugural meeting was held August 18, 2002

We have 2 CLASSES OF ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP.
Active members are involved as volunteers in the activities of the group and pay a $10 membership fee, discount family rate.
Associate members like to support the good work of the group but are unable to be a volunteer.This can also include group memberships where groups would like to support us. Membership fee $20.

Our current membership (March 2006) is 73. We have an occasional email newsletter. Please Click here (28kb word .doc) to download the membership form in a word document, or email us to send you one.