ICC Sydney team partners with Science for Wildlife to conserve koalas

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has joined forces with Science for Wildlife, an Australian not-for-profit wildlife conservation organisation, to raise awareness about wildlife conservation under climate change and activate volunteering opportunities for the venue’s team. The initiative will see the venue use its global platform to promote the conservation group’s programmes both internally to its team members and externally to its broad network. ICC Sydney’s CEO, Geoff Donaghy, said the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership between ICC Sydney and Blue Mountains, NSW-based Science for Wildlife will help protect koalas, now listed as an endangered species following the impact of global warming and urban expansion, as well as enrich the venue management team’s social and wellbeing experiences. “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. “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,” Donaghy said. Speaking at the team launch of the partnership at ICC Sydney, Science for Wildlife’s executive director, Dr Kellie Leigh said: “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.” Science for Wildlife is currently leading over ten conservation projects. Through their work they have uncovered nationally significant populations of Australia’s flagship species – the koala. 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. Photo courtesy of ICC Sydney