Gould League

The Gould Leagues promoted the teaching of Environmental Education in schools, publishing classroom material and establishing field studies centres, initially in New South Wales.

These popular programs cover the important sustainability themes of waste minimisation (recycling and composting), biodiversity, marine ecology and water conservation.

Gould League publications are available via an online bookstore, and hundreds of Australian's renew their annual membership to the organisation.

In mid-2016, Gould League's Genoa St Sustainability Education Centre is being upgraded and moved to a new site: Le Page Primary School in Cheltenham.

In the late 1920s Neville Cayley, a member of the Council for some years, was occupied in writing and illustrating a comprehensive guide to Australian birds.

Initial sales were disappointing, and in February 1935 Cayley, perennially short of cash, offered to sell his remaining royalty share to the League for £300.

Sales took off during World War II, sparked interest from US servicemen in Australia, and the book turned out to be a lucrative investment.

It consisted of “a Foreword by The President, Mr. Ross Thomas; a preface by Mr. W. Fingigan, and an introductory article on Australian birds in general by Mr. A. Chisholm.

Then followed six articles: The Lyrebird by Mr. M. Sharland; The Satinbird by Mr N. Chaffer; The Blue Wren’s by Mr. Cayley; The White-eared Honeyeater by Mr K. Hindwood; The Magpie by Mr. D. Leithhead and The Heath Wren by Mr. Chisholm.” Feathered Friends was illustrated with numerous photographs and full-page colour plates of the six birds, painted by Neville Cayley.

From the beginning the pages were brightened by a coloured plate, supplied (with descriptive notes) by Neville Cayley for many years, and then by a succession of distinguished artists.