LeafTales logo
Issue No. 23 November 2010



Welcome to the November 2010 edition of LeafTales, Gecko's monthly newsletter!

Enjoy these leaftales…

Ben Perkins

Manager

'Wildlife Wingding' - Green Ball fundraiser
Last tickets are on sale now for a great night out while helping the Coast's wildlife. The Wildlife Wingding will be held on Saturday 6th November at Burleigh Waters Community Centre and aims to raise much-needed funds for the Currumbin Sanctuary Wildlife Hospital. The night consists of brilliant entertainment, a charity auction, beautiful food and even better company! Read more...

Award Nominations Closing!
Gecko's Annual Environmental Awards will be held on Friday 3rd of December at Gecko House. The nominations close on Monday 8th November so make sure that you get your voice heard and shine the limelight on your environmental heroes! Visit the Awards website to nominate. Read More...

Schusters Park Community Day
Gecko's Schuster Park project is having its official launch on Saturday 13 November at the beautiful natural setting of Schuster Park. Bring your picnic, your friends and family and find out about what is being done to restore this magnificent native bushland. Visit the website to find out more about the project. Read more...

November Guest Speaker
The GCCC has plans to soon review its "2020 Vision on Waste" recycling and waste management strategy. Representatives from the GCCC will visit Gecko House to talk about the challenges we currently face on the Gold Coast, with a special interest in hearing from you about ways to increase recycling rates and better manage waste. All are welcome on November 24th at 6:30pm. Further details to be released soon on our speaker page.

Position Vacant - Groundskeeper
A position has become vacant at Gecko for a volunteer groundskeeper to carry out regular gardening and some odd jobs (eg. painting) around Gecko House. The position would require approximately one to two hours per week, or more if you wish! If you enjoy looking after small gardens and getting to know some new people, please email Michelle to find out more – office@gecko.org.au

Transition Town Workshop
Do you know what the term 'Transition Town' means? Find out in this article by Lois Levy and the actions Gecko is taking to form a group to take the concept further, with the first step being a possible Transition Hub for Currumbin. Read more...

President's Report 2009-2010
Our wonderful President Rose gives a summary of the many and varied activities of Gecko over the past year and the importance of the roles of those involved in every branch of Gecko. Read More...

Gecko's 'Guide to going Solar'
Do you need some help navigating the solar maze?
Download Gecko's Guide to Going Solar – a community service initiative designed to help you make an informed decision about "going solar".

Alternatively, you can view the guide online...

Corporate responsibility tastes so sweet
Australian Ethical finds an inspiring and practical example of corporate responsibility at its best and at all levels, when taking a building tour of one of the companies it invests in, Herman Miller. Read More...

Advertise here!
LeafTales reaches over 600 dedicated subscribers each month, all of whom take an interest in preserving the world we live in by using environmentally safe products and services. Not only does LeafTales offer direct communication to your target market, subscribers trust us to only provide them with the best. For further information about advertising in LeafTales, please click here...

How Are Things?
For some, statistics can be boring and manipulated. But each year the Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes Measures of Australia's Progress, which gives unembellished facts and figures about progress. Bryne Smith reviews that report. Read More...

Energex Protest
With Energex plans to install new powerlines, protesters recently took to the streets and put pen to paper in the form of a 2000 signature petition presented to government ministers to voice their concerns about the need for underground powerlines. Read More...

350 day in Miami
Big thanks to our members and friends who were out in the wet weather to attend our 350 day in Miami, and a very special thanks to our wonderful volunteers – especially photographer, Ichi, and local artist, Joy. Due to their fantastic effort we were able to capture everyone in a photo for the 350.org website, behind Joy's 'footprinted' 350 banner.
Visit 350.org or view their photos...

South Stradbroke update
Get the latest news on activities, research and conservation progress from South Stradbroke Island.
Read More...

Our People – Anna Itkonen
Anna has been involved with Gecko since 2008 when she was employed part-time as the coordinator of our annual World Environment Day event, now called the Green Day Out. As well as this event, Anna coordinates the Gold Coast Clean Up Australia Day, our Awards Night, and is currently focused on the Wildlife Wingding. Anna has a degree in modern art theories and art education, and has assisted with coordination of the Swell Sculpture Festival at Currumbin. Anna is happy to be involved in Gecko and make a difference to our environment. Email Anna...

Looking for a room to rent?
Room to rent in a green house in Tugun. Cate Ware has a 4 bedroom house amongst the trees, 7 minute walk from Tugun beach, and a short stroll to the Currumbin Sanctuary and beach. Asking $140 including electricity, water bills and local phone calls. Contact Cate if you are looking for a warm and friendly home on 0414 382 271.

Growing Community Gardens
Community gardens are a wonderful way to grow your own produce, meet new people and do something constructive for your local community. Learn what is involved to create your own local community garden. Read More...

Food Matters
Organic, locally produced produce benefits not only our bodies and brings communities together, but also reduces our carbon footprint. Read more...

Membership
A warm welcome to our 8 new subscribers this month. We invite you to join with Gecko! Membership is based on a once-only joining fee, starting at only $16.50. Please also consider giving Gecko membership as a gift to friends, family... and even enemies!
Join with us...

What's On?
Find out what's on, in and around Gecko and the green community! Check out the latest postings on our website and on the Gecko calendar. Also check out the latest from the Walk with Wildlife (WwW) team.

Your next LeafTales
Submission deadline18th Monthly
Distribution 1st Monthly

All contributions welcome by email to office@gecko.org.au
Please read the Submission Guidelines.

This email was produced by Gecko for supporters who have asked to be kept up-to-date with environmental issues. It's not confidential and it contains no restricted information - so please, spread it around.

Psst! Gecko's logo is represented by a leaftail species of Gecko, hence the name of this newsletter!

For more, see gecko.org.au

Gecko - Gold Coast and Hinterland Environment Council
Ph: (07) 5534 1412