National Bilby Day 2025 Celebrations
September is a powerful month for conservation in Australia. It is National Biodiversity Month, a time to celebrate the rich variety of life that makes our country unique. It also includes National Threatened Species Day on, when we reflect on the animals and plants at risk of disappearing forever. Among these important dates is one particularly close to our hearts: National Bilby Day, held on the second Sunday in September each year.
National Bilby Day shines a spotlight on one of Australia’s most iconic but endangered marsupials. By dedicating a day to the bilby, we not only raise awareness about the challenges it faces such as habitat loss and predation, but we also celebrate the community of supporters, scientists, volunteers and everyday Australians who are helping to ensure the bilby has a future.
This year was extra special, as 2025 marked the 20th anniversary of National Bilby Day. Over the past two decades, this day has grown into a nationwide movement, bringing together communities, schools, businesses and conservationists to stand up for the bilby. The 20th anniversary gave us the chance to reflect on how far we have come and to celebrate the incredible efforts that continue to drive bilby conservation forward.
This year, to mark the 20th anniversary, Beck invited locations all over Australia to Light up and Go Green for Bilbies. (you can see the list of those who participated here)
Charleville Bilby Experience
In Charleville, we celebrated with a wonderful community gathering at the Charleville Bilby Experience. Visitors enjoyed a lively day of markets, entertainment and the chance to meet our much-loved bilbies, with the celebrations ending in spectacular style as the Water Tower lit up in green.
A highlight of the day was the launch of The Tenth Egg by author and illustrator Merlene Konz, a beautiful new children’s book that shares the magic of bilbies with the next generation.
It was a truly special way to mark the 20th anniversary of National Bilby Day, bringing together stories, creativity and community spirit in the very place where bilby conservation has its heart.
“A Big Thank You from Teisha and the Charleville Visitor Information Centre/Bilby Experience Team!
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the locals, travellers, and stallholders who helped make National Bilby Day 2025 such an enjoyable event.
This special day is the one time each year we swing open our doors and welcome everyone in with free entry and entertainment.
We’re already looking forward to an even bigger and better National Bilby Day in 2026 — see you then!” – Teisha, Visitor Information Centre Coordinator, Experience Charleville
Community Generosity
National Bilby Day wouldn’t be the same without the incredible energy and support of our community. A massive thank-you to everyone who shared bilby posts on social media – your likes, shares, and comments helped spread the bilby love far and wide!
We’ve also been thrilled to see workplaces and schools rallying together to celebrate. We’ve heard wonderful stories from educators about their classes getting involved, learning all about the Greater Bilby, and celebrating these amazing marsupials in fun and creative ways. A huge shout-out goes to Vera and Billie, who rallied their school to host a gold coin donation Wear Green for Bilbies Day, and Vera and her Grandma have been super busy making soft toys and Billie has been making bookmarks to sell. Who raised the most on the Go Green for Bilbies platform this year – your enthusiasm and dedication are truly inspiring!
And a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who contributed through our Go Green for Bilbies initiative. From creative challenges to personal milestones, your generosity is powering vital bilby conservation programs and helping ensure these beloved marsupials continue to thrive. Curious to see the impact of your efforts? Check it out here: Go Green for Bilbies Impact.
It’s moments like these – stories, creativity, and community spirit – that make National Bilby Day truly special. Thank you for being part of this journey and celebrating bilbies with us!
Below are some wonderful creations from Colleen (pictured with board member Paul Campbell) and Joan, who have been long-time supporters of Save the Bilby Fund. These talented bilby enthusiasts crochet tirelessly, creating adorable bilby treasures that are sold at Evening Star Tourist Park in Charleville to support our work. A special thank-you to Craig from Evening Star, who generously donates the proceeds on National Bilby Day from the craft sales, raffles, and other activities each year – along with Joan and Colleen, your dedication and creativity make such a difference for bilbies.
Thank you!
What an incredible 20th National Bilby Day! Thank you to everyone who celebrated, shared, and supported bilbies this year – your energy, creativity, and generosity are what make this day so special. We can’t wait to see what the years ahead bring as our community continues to come together, raise awareness, and take action to keep these amazing marsupials safe for generations to come. Here’s to the future – full of bilbies, smiles, and lots more green!