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What is Gecko?!

Gecko - Gold Coast and Hinterland Environment Council is a collection of remarkable people who join together to use their talents, skills and knowledge to care for our planet and all its species. All sorts of people belong to Gecko, and the diversity of ages, origins, and personalities make Gecko a unique organisation, which is always stimulating and fun to belong to.

Gecko comprises campaigners, artists, bush regenerators, librarians, researchers, lobbyists, writers, builders, people good with figures and money, people who can educate, people who network, people who sit on committees, people who interact with politicians and the media and most of all people who like people.

Gecko is always busy with a huge range of activities and while its work is often challenging it is never dull. Whatever you can do or want to offer to help our natural and built environment, there is a place for you.

Since its foundation in 1989, Gecko has grown and developed in the methods and activities its members and supporters use to promote the sanctity of all life forms and the essential need of human beings to learn to tread lightly on the planet.

Gecko is the peak regional environment group on the Gold Coast and has individual, family and group members who meet formally at least once a month to discuss issues, find solutions and/or develop programs. Gecko has its headquarters at Gecko House, which means that members and others can drop in any time to catch up on the latest 'doings' and exchange news and views.

Gecko is run by a Management Committee, whose members are elected at an Annual General Meeting, and its work is enhanced by people who are elected to various sub-committees. Despite this hierarchical structure, Gecko is a very democratic organisation and all members' views are sought and their participation in decision-making is encouraged. The day-to-day management of Gecko is undertaken by an office manager who is in the office at least five hours per day everyday. The office manager is supported by, and supports, the Committee members, members and volunteers.

Gecko also has two budding businesses, which provide funds to support Gecko's ever-growing activities. These businesses are Gecko Regen and Gecko Recycle. Gecko Regen employs a number of highly skilled people with expertise in regeneration and remediation of degraded sites such as the Gold Coast City's landfill sites. Their work has been judged by experts in botany and nature conservation to be quite exceptional. Gecko Recycle, founded in July 2000, is developing into a sound business in recycling and reusing industrial discard materials and has been instrumental in training many long term unemployed folk who have gone on to get paid employment.

Most of Gecko's work is carried out by the voluntary work of its members and supporters. This work includes management and administration , producing the monthly newsletter, maintaining the environmental issues library, developing the museum , managing the hall for community use and answering the thousand and one enquiries. Members also promote Gecko and Earth care through public educational events such as World Environment Day, Clean Up Australia Day and regular guest speaker nights, conferences and workshops.

Gecko is represented on a range of advisory committees at both Gold Coast City Council, and State Government level. Gecko provides consultation to various bodies such as Gold Coast Airport, schools, the Urban Development Institute of Australia , and other groups. Gecko is active in bush regeneration projects, which have extended knowledge of the unique flora and fauna of our region. Gecko campaigns actively on serious environmental issues and networks with its member groups and other community groups to achieve maximum impact.

In early 2001, Gecko participated in Centenary of Federation celebrations, which have resulted in a refurbished building of greater benefit to the community (Gecko House).

This is but a summary of what is an amazing story of people-power and creativity on so many levels. Gecko is its people who celebrate their commitment to a planet where there is a place for all species and a future. Gecko welcomes everyone with the same commitment.