BEAR ESSENTIALS: If ever more proof was needed that Gunnedah is the koala capital of the world, here it is. Local photographer Paul Mathews snapped this furry little critter crossing busy Marquis St near the high school last week and, as you can see, this bloke was a real crowd – and traffic – stopper. In the first photo, left, he can be seen stepping off the footpath and is in the next is assisted by council worker Roger Bagster in getting right of way. He stops for a quick game of “teapots” with local real estate agent Richard Gallen in the next frame, and then is finally on his way again. “You’ve gotta love this town,” Mr Mathews said. “People always stop and help one of our little mates cross the road – it happens all the time.”