History

Founded in 1909 as the Gould League of Bird Lovers it was dedicated to bird protection. The name was shortened in the 1960's when the focus was reestablished to be teaching of Environmental Education in schools, publishing classroom material and establishing Field Studies Center. The first Center was in New South Wales. In the 1990's the central focus was once more realigned to be "Education for Sustainability" and the first Recycling Education Centre in Australia was formed to reduce waste into the landfills from the local schools. In 2006 the name was changed from Gould League to Gould Group Ltd.

Focus of Activities

The Gould League designs innovative environmental education programs and takes them into the schools. Additional programs in ecological training for whole lifestyle sustainability. They have worked for over 100 years with partners to support sustainable lifestyles and protect the environment.

Notable Achievements

The Gould League works closely with the Department of Education and Training to develop Multicultural School Gardens. This is a project that has been funded by the Victorian Government (through the Community Support Fund) and the Department of Education and Training to deliver to forty Victorian schools until the end of 2008. Since the project's conception, twenty three schools have established a garden infrastructure and maintain a school community project garden.

Gould League has been educating children, schools, communities' government and business about conservation and the environment in Australia since 1909; the website has a string of awards and notations about on-going programs. They are also involved in traditional and cutting-edge methods and media to engage children and adults alike as consultants for a wide range of interests and needs. After 2100 years in the business of service they have a lot of expertise, experience and historical programs to draw on.

Celebrity Supporters

Maybe not a movie star or famous authors, but the fact is the original reason that the league was formed was a letter. The letter was written by Jessie McMichael to John Albert Leach, supervisor of nature study in Victorian state schools. Leach was later Assistant Chief Inspector of Schools in Victoria. McMichael was apparently a local citizen.

Governance & Financial

Gould League is a registered charity with income tax exemption and has deducible gift recipient status. LadybirdGould League is officially registered on the Environmental Register of Environment Organisations by the Department of Environment and Heritage within Australia.

Regions / countries which benefit

When school children in Australia are taught by the Gould League they go on to travel, live and teach all over the world. Gould volunteers come from all walks of life to learn about sustainability inside the Australian regions. The Gould League also has vast assortment of ecological publications to offer to anyone on the globe.

How to donate

Please refer to the web site for individuals, corporate sponsors and bequests. There is also a section to become members and have the benefits of membership.