Home » A focus on the environment is key to sustainable visitor economy*

A focus on the environment is key to sustainable visitor economy*

FunSearch.com.au is a new photo and video search engine system designed by a group of experienced Melbourne social entrepreneurs. 


While the company is a commercial business focused on helping to grow the Australian domestic tourism, leisure and recreation market, they are also an ‘impact business’ with goals above and beyond the financial. And they are very much focused on the environment. 

Chief Executive Officer of FunSearch, Chris Gillard, said the Australian natural environment and its health is always at the forefront of his mind when considering the prospects of Australia’s tourism, travel and outdoor adventure sector. 

“We live in a world where a climate emergency has been declared in various countries including the United Kingdom. There is no time for indecision. 

“What this means for all sectors with businesses exposed to the environment and where the environment itself, the natural world, is the major drawcard, is that a sharp focus on preserving biodiversity and fragile environmental elements is key to longevity and sustainability. Without it we haven’t got much have we?”

FunSearch is a company with a significant environmental partner, the not-for-profit environmental group, Odonata.org.au

The relationship is deep and the two have collaborated to organise their first event with a combined social and environmental theme. 

Aimed at young people and their carers, it’s called One Day Fun Day.

One Day Fun Day is a day of free fun on 14th September for 10,000 kids (and their carers) from around Australia who may be sick, at risk, marginalised or living with disadvantage. 

The day has clear social, health and wellbeing objectives but equally important is the goal of helping to get kids and carers outside and into nature. 

Gillard said there is ample evidence that nature is literally a medicinal therapy. 

“We know there are real, proven benefits to mental and physical health, that even a single day in nature can have for a person, especially one who does not get to experience such things very often. 

“Through One Day Fun Day, those kids and carers who are able to, will be outside enjoying the natural world and shedding their cares momentarily. 

“Afterwards they’ll continue to feel the benefits and we’ll follow up with educational information about biodiversity, our incredible environment and its importance to all of us.” 

FunSearch and Odonata are now designing other national events focused fully on environmental themes. 

Any councils interested in finding out more about FunSearch and Odonata or who would like to collaborate on environmentally themed events or activities, should contact maria[@]funsearch.com.au or direct message @FunSearchAu on Instagram or Facebook.

*Copy supplied by FunSearch

Digital Editions


  • Looking to the future

    Looking to the future

    Flinders Lane will be abuzz for two days this month with Townsville Youth Council – supported by Townsville City Council – set to deliver a…

More News

  • A golden celebration

    A golden celebration

    Cockburn Libraries will mark a major milestone in 2026 – 50 years of serving, supporting and connecting the community. Spearwood Library opened its doors on 23 March 1976 as one…

  • Local Governments vital for fuel supply

    Local Governments vital for fuel supply

    Fuel supply constraints and rising costs are putting councils and communities under increasing pressure across Australia, with implications for essential services and community infrastructure. The Australian Local Government Association is…

  • Nathan Daniell elected Mayor of Adelaide Hills Council

    Nathan Daniell elected Mayor of Adelaide Hills Council

    Adelaide Hills Council is pleased to advise that Nathan Daniell has formally been elected Mayor following confirmation of results from the supplementary election. Mr Daniell has served as a councillor…

  • Community mourns beloved former mayor

    Community mourns beloved former mayor

    The NSW local government sector is deeply saddened by the passing of former Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell OAM, a widely respected and much-loved leader who dedicated her life to serving…

  • New-look reserve reopens

    New-look reserve reopens

    Toongabbie’s Sue Savage Reserve has reopened after a $4 million upgrade featuring a new skate park, BMX pump track, fitness equipment, an amenity building, park furniture, drainage upgrade, landscaping and…

  • Temora address housing shortage in tiny hamlet

    Temora address housing shortage in tiny hamlet

    Proposed Ariah Park Village Subdivision to Address Housing Shortage – Lots from $90-000 to $110,000 in the small picturesque hamlet. Temora Shire Council is investigating the delivery of a proposed…

  • Douglas Shire seeks renewal

    Douglas Shire seeks renewal

    Creative store opens in Mossman through empty spaces program. A new store and community art space has opened in Mossman thanks to a program designed to breathe new life into…

  • New youth and community centre for McLeay

    New youth and community centre for McLeay

    A new Youth and Community Centre planned for Macleay Island will service the needs of the growing community and will also be designed so it can support community recovery following…

  • Grants close soon

    Grants close soon

    Queensland councils have until 31 March to apply for Round two of the State Government’s Secure Communities Partnership Program, which offers up to $400,000 per project for CCTV, lighting and…

  • Sod turned on major upgrade at Paul Fitzsimons Oval

    Sod turned on major upgrade at Paul Fitzsimons Oval

    Work has officially begun on the redevelopment of Paul Fitzsimons Oval with Alice Springs Town Council and the Australian Government turning the first sod this morning. Mayor Asta Hill and…