Where we have been
Rainforest Rescue is a not for profit organisation committed to
saving our rainforests for current and future generations. This
is achieved by providing opportunities for individuals, families,
philanthropic trusts and businesses to support rainforest restoration,
research and property purchase projects.
It started in 1998 when Kelvin Davies and Dr Tony Parkes met to
bring together their ideas for rainforest conservation. They soon
gained the interest of Kathryn Biggs and Dr Juilia Playford and
together they formed the team that established
the focus and direction of Rainforest Rescue and its constitution.
On the 25th of March 1999 Rainforest Rescue was registered with
the Australian government as a Company Limited by Guarantee operating
as a not for profit organisation. This provides us with the structure
necessary to perform activities relevant to an effective not for
profit organisation while providing maximum accountability to our
supporters. Kelvin, Tony, Kathryn and Julia became the directors
of the company.
We were assisted in this early stage by an initial group of fifty
members and supporters. Our inclusion on the on Australian government’s
Register of Environmental Organisations also provided us with tax-deductible
gift recipient status.
In 1999 we established the Big Scrub
Restoration Project to support the award-winning Big Scrub Rainforest
Restoration Program of the Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group.
We also established with that Group the Big
Scrub Rainforest Day, which has expanded to become the largest
and most successful annual landcare community events in Australia.
We also began our support for tree planting projects in Queensland
and New South Wales.
As activity started to grow we published the first edition of Rainforest
Rescue News, which continues to be produced each year as a hard
copy newsletter for supporters.
In 2000 we established the Daintree Buy Back
and Protect Forever Project. This project is buying back World
Heritage Value freehold rainforest land in the Daintree at risk
from development for rural residential development.
In 2000 we furthered our relationship with TP Health establishing
a community business partnership. TP Health becoming a major sponsor
of the Big Scrub Restoration Program for two years. Rainforest Rescue
was also registered as a Landcare Group in 2000.
In 2001 Mike Oswald became a director and Julia moved aside as a
director following her switch from academic life to a government
role. Biologist and author Tim Low joined the team and became our
Patron.
In 2002 Southern Cross Credit Union became a major sponsor of the
Big Scrub Restoration Program for two years. To celebrate the success
for the project the Booyong open day was held to recognise the partnership.
In 2003 we established the Research to the
Rescue Project. This project brings together research scientists
with important projects examining the conservation of threatened
species and rainforest communities.
We also broadened our support for the environment with a partnership
with The ReGenesis Foundation to undertake work on a significant
rainforest restoration project and other environmental projects
at ReGenesis Farm in Northern NSW.
Another project established in 2003 was Ecuador
“Save a Hectare” with the Rainforest Information
Centre and Rainforest Concern (UK). Through this partnership we
are assisting an established project to protect the Cloud Forests
in Ecuador.
In 2005 and 2006 we continued to build on the success of our existing
projects and support our partners and continue to the progress of
Rainforest Rescue towards our mission: To save our rainforests for
current and future generations.
Rainforest Rescue does not receive government funding. This approach
has ensured that we keep a strong focus on service to our supporters
in the community.
All income to support Rainforest Rescue and our projects come through
the support of individuals, philanthropic trusts and businesses.
You can make a tax-deductible
donation and help support our successful projects.
Visit our Who is helping section to see who’s
helping save the rainforests.
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