Those who know the Gold Coast well and are into all things environmental action and protection will be very familiar with the work of Gecko, Gold Coast & Hinterland Environment Council (now known as Gecko Environment Council). Gecko this year celebrated 20 years of dedication to the valuable work they do to help preserve the local natural environment.
On November 12th they celebrated this milestone by gathering together once again the movers and shakers in the community who volunteer to make a difference whether from within the organisation itself or to celebrate the work they come into contact with. According to Gecko President Anna Itkonen, ‘as an organisation with the efforts of over 100 volunteers, Gecko hosted five major events in 2016, wrote over 30 submissions, was involved in over 20 campaigns and hosted an extensive environmental education program for local, national and international students.‘ She went on to say ‘Over the years, over 800 individuals, groups and organisations have been awarded and acknowledged. In 2016, 42 names were added to that prestigious list.’
This year I was very honoured to receive an award for the work I’ve done since January 2016 as volunteer editor and social media manager for their online quarterly magazine Gecko Hills to Headlands. My daughter Jazz, also won an award for the rebranding of Gecko’s image to be revealed in 2017.
Thank you again Gecko, it has been an amazing year and a very rewarding experience. Congratulations to Gecko, and to all awards’ recipients for the selfless and tireless work you all do to keep the Gold Coast and Hinterland environment protected.
