March 31, 2022 | By Bronwen Largier
Sydney’s major convention centre has partnered with conservation organisation Science for Wildlife to help protect koalas, which have recently been listed as an endangered species.
The partnership will provide ICC Sydney team members with opportunities to learn about the plight of the koala and volunteer to help nurture the species.
The collaboration will also be added to the venue’s flagship Legacy Program, offering event clients the opportunity to donate to the organisation’s conservation work and encouraging event groups to visit the nearby Blue Mountains, out of which Science for Wildlife is based, and engage in activities which help protect koalas.
“We strive to make a difference in our world and leave a positive legacy against a triple bottom line—considering the ways we can foster community engagement, environmental sustainability and economic development,” said ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy.
“As an iconic destination, we are very conscious of our environmental impact and particularly the potential harm of evolving climatic conditions on Australia’s unique and precious wildlife.
“ICC Sydney’s permanent team members now have access to learning and development opportunities through Science for Wildlife, either out in the field to monitor koalas or plant trees or deliver projects online, supported by a paid day to volunteer for this worthy cause.
“We hope to make a difference in raising awareness about our partner’s environmental conservation projects and to drive positive change in the protection of an endangered species—the much loved koala,” he said.
Science for Wildlife’s executive director Dr Kellie Leigh said that engagement with communities both locally and on a worldwide level was important for conservation activities.
“The conservation of wildlife and habitats can only be effective if communities join in, and by that I mean communities at the local level right through to the international level. If we don’t work together we simply can’t be successful.
“As we face new challenges with climate change impacting our ancient landscape, new partnerships like this will help us in extending Science for Wildlife’s educational objectives and help us to reach new audiences,” she said.