Gecko Environment Council Association Incorporated, formally known as Gold Coast and Hinterland Environment Council, was founded in 1989 when representatives of six local conservation groups joined together. On 29th October 2019, Gecko celebrated a milestone of turning 30 years young!

The organisation was envisioned to work for the care, protection and conservation of the natural environment and the improvement of the built environment so that it would become more ecologically sustainable.

Gecko began in a small room loaned by the Currumbin Sanctuary and remained there until 1994, when the members moved across the road to an old shed and renovated it to house an office and library.

In 1996, Gecko had the opportunity to buy the second Currumbin State School building on the banks of Currumbin Estuary and Gecko House was born! This gave members a meeting hall and an office, which served it well.

In 2001, Centenary of Federation grant money became available and an ambitious renovation resulted in the Gecko House of today.

Nowadays Gecko House has an office, kitchen and guest lounge for Gecko volunteers, partner organisations and environmental groups to utilise downstairs. There is a  community hall upstairs available for hire.

Gecko has grown from a small group to an effective organisation grappling with the many issues confronting our City and its environment as the population continues to grow at a rapid rate. We can only continue our work with the commitment and involvement of its members, staff, volunteers, donors and supporters and we gratefully acknowledge their support.

To see what Gecko has done recently, you can find our Annual Report 2019-2020 here.

Gecko’s Vision

A vibrant Gold Coast community where people and animals, plants, water, air and earth all form a healthy, harmonious system.

Gecko’s Mission Statement

To actively promote, conserve and restore the natural environment and improve the sustainability of the built environment of the Gold Coast region in partnership with our member groups and the wider community.

Gecko’s aims and objectives

The objects for which the organisation is established aim:

Gecko Management

The organisation is guided and overseen by the Management Committee, elected at the Annual General Meeting each October. Gecko operations are divided into portfolios all of which have dedicated teams. 

To Read Gecko’s Annual Report 2019-2020 click here

GECKO ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE BY OPERATIONS

GECKO TEAMS STRUCTURE

The Management Committee for 2020/2021 

President – Anna Itkonen

Vice-President – Jenny Madigan

Secretary – Rose Adams

Treasurer – Pauline Kershaw

Committee Member – Wayne McDermott

Committee Member – Lois Levy

Committee Member – Dereka Ogden 

Committee Member – Gloria Baker

Social Enterprises

Gecko is currently involved in two social enterprises – Regen Australia and GeckoEd.

Regen Australia is a specialist revegetation firm using locally sourced native species. Regen Australia provides environmental services which include natural area regeneration, revegetation and environmental consultancy. They also operate a native plant nursery growing local provenance native plants.

Gecko Ed consist of a team of educators, delivering quality environmental education to students and the general public.