Ms Anderson, an active volunteer and former Port Stephens Koala Hospital board member, takes over the position from acting CEO Ron Land, who will remain as the organisation's president.

"It was decided by the board that a more permanent CEO was needed to ease the workload on Ron so that he can focus on the mammoth task of lobbying for funding and support from all levels of government and corporate sponsorship to keep the organisation operational," Ms Anderson said.

"My focus first and foremost is to continue the great work we do with the rescue, rehabilitation and release of koalas, and to maintain and build upon our strong volunteer base.

"My work will involve overseeing the staff resources, recruitment and committees at the hospital, while implementing systems and processes to ensure our continued success."

Ms Anderson, who is also running as the Labor Party's candidate for mayor at the upcoming Port Stephens Council elections, has already recruited two new vet nurses, including a clinical director and a maintenance worker.

She said that she had resigned from the Port Stephens Koala Hospital board.

"In fact, I have stepped down from three boards in the space of one week. Last week was my last as president of Business Port Stephens, and I also stepped down from the board of Destination Port Stephens after serving almost two years."

Ms Anderson said that an interim board replacement had been appointed and a more permanent member would be elected at the annual general meeting expected to take place in November.

"The new role also means that I have had to step back from my financial business."

Ms Anderson said that she had been a very active member of Port Stephens Koalas for two years, having trained as a koala carer, a home carer and working every Saturday morning shift as a supervisor.

"I also am one of the trainers and facilitators who run our new entrant induction programs," she said.

"With my background of management in the corporate world, and from my work in other non-for-profit organisations, I now have the opportunity to put my skills to work at PSKH."

She added that the organisation had grown rapidly in its first year of operation.

The $10 million koala hospital and sanctuary was opened at One Mile at the former Treescapes on September 25, 2020 .

"This month we celebrate the first anniversary of the new hospital facility," Ms Anderson said.

"We have 150 active volunteers, and our operation runs seven days per week.

"Given our rapid growth and our plans for the future, we are determined to provide koalas in Port Stephens with the care they need to survive long term."

Port Stephens Koala Hospital is urging residents to participate in Save the Koala Month in September.

Leah Anderson, PSK chief executive officer, said that there a number of ways the Port community could get involved.

"One is to adopt a Port Stephens koala. Each adoption helps support the hospital's conservation work, protecting habitat, preserving food supply and ensuring the safety of Australia's most loved marsupial," she said.

"Adoptions cover the costs associated with medical treatment, food and accommodation of a koala while it's in care. An annual $50 contribution helps with specialised treatments, tests and medications. It also goes toward the costs of the Rescue Ambulance and costs associated with gathering gum leaves.

"In addition, people can volunteer their time at the hospital. We haves an extensive network of dedicated volunteers who rescue and care for injured and sick koalas. The care a koala receives varies depending on its needs. Our koalas are cared for in the wildlife hospital, at our rehabilitation facility and at the homes of senior carers."

Another way that local people could assist is by pledging a donation to the koala hospital through the Return & Earn units located throughout the Port Stephens area.

In light of the COVID-19 government restrictions, the Australian Koala Foundation is making it a priority that supporters are equipped with the necessary toolkit to fundraise in a safe way during the Save the Koala Month at savethekoala.com.

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