Rainforest Rescue has been protecting and restoring rainforests since 1999. We do this by purchasing properties of high conservation value rainforest and protecting their biodiversity. We also restore rainforest through planting, maintenance and weed removal.

About us

Rainforest Rescue is a not-for-profit organisation that has been protecting and restoring rainforests since March 1999 by providing opportunities for individuals and businesses to Protect Rainforests Forever.

Our projects re-establish rainforests through planting, maintenance, and restoration programs, as well as purchasing and protecting high conservation value rainforest and preserving its biodiversity.

Our vision

To Protect Rainforests Forever.

Our mission

Rescue vulnerable rainforests by strategically buying properties;
Restore damaged and fragmented habitat through reforestation;
Conserve the biodiversity and cultural heritage of Rainforest; and
Learn from the forest, sharing and raising awareness.

Our values

Ethical – Working to the highest ethical standards both internally and with external stakeholders
Sustainable – Ensuring Rainforest Rescue has a light footprint on the planet
Professional – Working in a transparent, innovative, and agile way to get the best value for money
Engaging – Proactively listening to our audiences and actively contributing to Rainforest conversations
Respectful – Leading by example and ensuring our work reflects the special sense of place of rainforests
Collaborative – Working in partnership to maximise synergies and impact to Protect Rainforest Forever.

Rainforest Rescue acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which our organisation is located, where we work, and where we live. We respect ancestors and Elders past, present, and emerging.

Our structure

Rainforest Rescue is an Australian Company Limited by Guarantee, managed by a Board of Directors who contribute their service on a voluntary basis. Our ABN is 61 086 885 154 and our ACN is 086 885 154. Read more about our directors.

Our team & locations

Rainforest Rescue headquarters (RR HQ) is in Byron Bay, NSW on Arakwal Country within the Bundjalung Nation. RR HQ hosts a team of four staff members and was recently relocated from Mullumbimby, NSW, where the organisation was founded. Our on-the-ground conservation and restoration work takes place in Daintree, Qld (Julay Madja) on Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bubu. This is where our Land Management team, Nursery team, and Ecological Advisors are based. Our Partnerships Director works from Meanjin (Brisbane).

In addition to staff, board members, and advisors, we have the support of pro-bono partners, interns and volunteers.

Read more about our team, our Board of Directors, and our advisors.

Awards

2020 Films for the Forest Audience Award – “Growing a Rainforest Community” directed by Martin Stringer

2018 Thorsborne Award for Community Conservation & Rehabilitation – Wet Tropics Management Authority’s Cassowary Awards in Cairns – Sponsored by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

2011 Steve L. Mourning Memorial Scholarship – Recipient: Erryn Stephens, Fundraising Manager, Rainforest Rescue

Income

Rainforest Rescue was established from a community wish to protect rainforest forever. We are committed to building relationships with individuals, philanthropists, businesses, and grant-making organisations through which the majority of our funding is sourced.

We are listed on the Australian government’s Register of Environmental Organisations which provided us with tax-deductible gift recipient status, enabling Australian residents to make tax-deductible donations to the organisation.

We are also registered with the Australian Charities & Not-for-profits Commission and a Member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia.

Click here to download our 2021-22 Finance Report.