ICC Sydney partners with Science for Wildlife to elevate koala conservation

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has partnered with Science for Wildlife - a leading Australian not-for-profit wildlife conservation organisation – to help protect koalas, now listed as an endangered species following the impact of global warming and urban expansion, as well as to enrich the venue management team’s social and wellbeing experiences.

The initiative will see the convention, exhibition and entertainment venue utilise its global platform as an international event destination to promote the conservation group’s programs both internally to its team members and externally to its broad network. Science for Wildlife will provide learning, development and volunteering opportunities to ICC Sydney’s broader team.

On the Corporate Social Responsibility partnership between ICC Sydney and Science for Wildlife, ICC Sydney Chief Executive, Geoff Donaghy notes “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. 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.

“It’s imperative for large scale organisations to operate in a sustainable manner and to promote ways for people to engage with, and learn from, organisations such as Science for 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.”

Speaking at the team launch of the partnership at ICC Sydney, Science for Wildlife’s Executive Director, Dr Kellie Leigh said the organisation was pleased to welcome this new network into its fold through the partnership with ICC Sydney.

“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.

“We have had the privilege of working with many partners, from local land owners and active members of the local community to public land owners including National Parks and Wildlife, local councils and both state and federal governments, as well as zoos, universities and wildlife rehabilitation groups, and now the team at ICC Sydney. It is through this exceptional network of partners that Science for Wildlife is able to deliver enduring conservation outcomes.”

Dr Leigh adds “sharing of critical information so that conservation action is evidence-based has become a hallmark of these networks and underpins the effectiveness of our collective work. 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. By engaging with ICC Sydney’s team, together we can increase our impact and help protect important areas for Australia’s iconic koalas.”

Based in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia, Science for Wildlife works to make sure that the best available science and technology is applied on the ground to conserve wildlife and is currently leading over ten conservation projects. Through their work they have uncovered nationally significant populations of koalas.

ICC Sydney is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations, working with its partners and clients to facilitate sustainable events. As part of a recognised Green Precinct, awarded 6 stars under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star Communities certification, and with a Gold LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, ICC Sydney hosts a raft of key sustainability features. In 2020 ICC Sydney received the Silver EarthCheck certification and was winner of the international UFI Sustainable Development Award for its outstanding initiatives.

The new partnership with Science for Wildlife expands on the range of volunteering partnerships ICC Sydney has with organisations such as Stand Tall, Variety The Children’s Charity and Tide to Tip.

To find out more about ICC Sydney and its corporate social responsibility initiatives visit iccsydney.com.au/about/csr.

For more information about Science for Wildlife and their projects visit scienceforwildlife.org/.

Image top: ICC Sydney Chief Executive Geoff Donaghy, Science for Wildlife Executive Director Dr. Kellie Leigh and ICC Sydney Director of Corporate Affairs and Communication Samantha Glass; image above: Science for Wildlife koala conservation