Vulnerable and endangered species in the Woomargama National Park will be given a better chance of survival thanks to the generosity of people who have helped to expand the park by another 229 hectares.
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Dubbed "the Border's Kakadu", the national park was already 24,185 hectares, which made it the largest protected area of forest west of the Great Dividing Range.
The Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife launched a public appeal last year for help to purchase the extra land.
It was previously a privately-owned farm with high conservation value land and home to 25 different vulnerable or endangered species.
A strong response from donors helped the foundation reach its fundraising goal of $229,000 and allow it to purchase the extra land.
The supporters who donated money to the cause were invited to see the land on Saturday and attend the unveiling of an honour board that acknowledges their contribution to the expansion of Woomargama National Park.
It was unveiled by FNPW president Patrick Medley.
The foundation is a not-for-profit conservation organisation working to protect ecosystems and native species, and collaborates with local project partners to raise funds and awareness of environmental projects.
FNPW chief executive Ian Darbyshire said it was important to protect the park's endangered species.
"Some 25 endangered or vulnerable animal species call Woomargama home, including koalas that were once common, but have now not been sighted for almost three decades," he said.
"Other native animals we're in danger of losing if we don't continue to protect this vital area include the eastern pygmy-possum, squirrel glider, the greater long-eared bat, southern bell frog, regent honeyeater, superb parrot and the gang-gang cockatoo.
"The Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife is the only organisation in Australia that purchases land for permanent protection to grow our wonderful National Parks system, for all to enjoy."
Tim and Suzi Chapman were among those who donated, as regular hikers who enjoy the "spectacular" scenery of the Border.
"We spend a lot of our time in national parks and were very keen on people building on the good work the parks do," he said.
He said having their names on an honour board was nice, but unexpected.
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