1) General Questions
a) What is Koala Whacking?
Koala Whacking is the taking of a large, strong stick, and striking a Koala with it, usually with the attempt to dislodge it from something, such as a bridge.
b) How do you Koala Whack?
It's a simple process. First, find a Koala you would like to Whack. Next, take a good, broad, heavy stick, about as long as your arm is best. Raise the stick high in the air using your best hand, and hit it as hard as you can. If the Koala continues to grip on, continue striking forcefully until it is dislodged. If it attacks, you may be compelled to use more force. Warning: Koala Whacking should not be attempted without first completing proper training and safety courses. Furthermore, a License is required.
c) What are the risks associated with Koala Whacking?
Koalas have very sharp claws, and are vicious, wild animals. These claws can cause severe, though usually no life threatening injuries. When Whacking from bridges, risk is minimal if proper safety provisions (Proper Gear and Harnesses) are taken.
d) Is Koala Whacking Legal?
Yes. The many Australian Councils employ people to Whack for them. That said, Koala Whacking is illegal in certain areas (Most notably the states of Tasmania and South Australia) when not done by authority of a Council. Furthermore, recreational Koala Whacking is restricted to certain times each year; these vary between states. In all parts of Australia a License is required to Whack. This proves the proper safety courses have been taken and costs $30 annually in addition to the costs of any courses.
e) I plan to visit Australia? How do I try out Koala Whacking?
The best way would be to find a local sporting group practising Koala Whacking and go to a meeting or two. Without a licence, you will be unable to Whack yourself, but it will give you a taster of what it's like In addition, if you are an exchange student, a good idea may be to get a part time Whacking job. This way you get paid, and your courses, licence and gear will cost you nothing. Besides being illegal, attempting to Koala Whack yourself untrained is dangerous and not recommended.
f) Why do you Koala Whack?
For Recreation and sport. In addition, professional Koala Whackers do so to protect Australia's bridges.
g) What type of Equipment does a Koala Whacker carry?
Equipment consists of the stick (and usually a single spare), safety harnesses (If working on a bridge) safety helmet, a good supply of water and foodstuffs (Energy food such as chocolate and nuts are recommended) a medical kit and a mobile (or for extreme rural area, a Satellite phone). This is usually contained in a large backpack.
h) What are the qualifications required for recreational or sporting Koala Whacking?
Aspiring Whackers must complete a Koalas Whackers Initiative 'Zamination (KWIZ), a three day course with a sixty question, multiple-choice test at the end. Price is usually about $60. Secondly, a Koala Whackers Advanced Safety and Rules Certificate (KWASAR) must be completed. This is a single day course and a thirty question, multiple-choice test that usually costs about $20. Finally, a $30 annual licence must be purchased. The KWIZ remains for life, but the KWAZAR must be redone every three years.
i) Is Koala Whacking done for sport?
Indeed it is. A Koala Whacking Club runs in most towns and cities, often affiliated with AKWA, the Australian Koala Whacker's Association (Who also cover Professional Whackers.)
j) Who is the Current World Champion?
Current Champion is Sydney resident George Dingle, a 34-year-old Amateur Whacker.
k) Does the RSPCA/environmentalists ever try to stop Koala Whacking?
Yes. Several protests have been made, all ignored or blocked in the Senate. Although incidents have occurred where representatives and protesters have attempted to interfere with Koala Whackers. They usually are horribly mauled by the Koalas they try to save, then Whacked by the Whackers.
