Our Story

From humble beginnings to exciting new chapters, read about our origin, objectives and the core values that shape ECOllaboration's journey

history

Our story began in 1992 as Maroochy Waterwatch, a community based organisation engaged in the protection and enhancement of the Maroochy River catchment and region. In 2016 we became ECOllaboration, a registered charity and not for profit company, and have continued this legacy of strategically planning and implementing projects for the benefit of the broader Maroochy catchment area and improving the health of the Maroochy River and surrounds.

We are now a robust and experienced environmental organisation with over 50 staff across South East Queensland, spanning the Sunshine Coast, Somerset and Scenic Rim council areas. Our areas of expertise include natural areas restoration & ecological consultancy, environmental education, community engagement in citizen science and a whole lot more.

Our Maroochy Waterwatch legacy is reflected in our Water Monitoring program, now one of the longest running citizen science programs in Queensland. 30+ years on, we are proud to have over 50 long term volunteers spear-heading various projects for the benefit of the community and the environment.

Our Environmental Services

Annual Report 2024-2025

Read our Annual Report

Purpose

Our purpose is to:

Foster connection – bringing people and nature together through learning, collaboration and action to shape a thriving, sustainable future.

Values

Connected and Collaborative

This reflects our core mission—to build meaningful connections between people and nature, and to work together with communities, stakeholders, and each other. Collaboration is central to what we do, and connection is the thread that ties it all together.

Optimistic and Purpose-Driven

We believe in the possibility of change. These values reflect our hope, belief in a sustainable future, and commitment to showing up with clear intent and passion for the work we do.

Innovative and Adaptive

Working in environmental and social systems requires imagination and the ability to respond to change. These values recognise the creativity and flexibility we bring to solving complex problems.

Credible and Transparent

Trust is earned. These values build on our existing strengths and make clear our commitment to doing what we say we will.

Inclusive and People-Focused

Our work is about people as much as it is about nature and the planet. We aim to create space for all voices, and to support and empower the communities we work with. This value acknowledges that inclusion and human connection are fundamental to sustainable change.

Our Impact Strategy