Welcome to North Keppel Island
The Centre is an educational facility that:
- was designed to promote respect, care and concern for self, others and the natural environment
- is situated on a National Park Island
- is totally surrounded by the waters of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
- houses one of Australia's largest stand alone alternative energy systems
- utilises and demonstrates a range of water and energy efficient products and processes
- has easy access to a diverse range of terrestrial and marine ecosystems
- focuses on environmental education, or education outdoors
- encourages the appreciation of, and participation in, indigenous people's culture knowledge and their experience of the environment.
The Centre has developed and applies its own (voluntary) Island
Biosecurity Plan, which includes encouraging visiting schools to pre-visit
study and adopt island biosecurity practices before their arrival at the
mainland terminal for island departure. NKIEEC staff also interpret and
reinforce ‘Be-Pest Free!’ principles and procedures to visitors before boat
boarding, upon island arrival and also during classroom and practical sessions
while on North Keppel Island.
Staff welcome
Andrew Gill, Principal
I have been working at NKIEEC since 2010. Before that I worked extensively in state schools for eleven years. I grew up in the area and take great pride in coming and working in such a beautiful location. Every day at North Keppel is a new adventure and I am always excited to share that with willing students. Thanks to Andrew for regularly contributing to the centre facebook site.
Email: agill38@eq.edu.au
Eric Cech, teacher
I have taught at NKIEEC since 2014. I am passionate about Environmental Education and sharing my knowledge of the Great Barrier Reef and the natural environment with visiting students. I have lived in Yeppoon for over 10 years and in my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter.
Paul Kanters, teacher
Welcome Paul. Paul has been teaching for 33 years and is an experienced primary and secondary teacher. The last 6 years he has taught maths and science at secondary level. His passion is marine science.
Mia Kitchener, teacher
Welcome Mia. New staff member. Mia is replacing Bill while he is on leave.
Her love of environmental and outdoor education plus indigenous education is highly valued at the centre.
Relief teacher
Welcome Cathy
Graeme Crigan, Boating Officer
I have spent a lifetime on or around the sea, a keen surfer, sailor and professional seaman. I have been the “Skipper” of the Centre’s vessels 'Impact' & 'Gundoo Spirit' for nearly eleven years and have vast experience in supporting the Centre and visiting school groups with their marine based activities. I am always happy to chat to students and explain how 'Gundoo Spirit' and her electronics work. Some people think I have the best job in Education Queensland!
Ian Miller, Unit Support Officer
I was born in Yeppoon and grew up at Farnborough. I went to Yeppoon State and High Schools. After leaving school I started work as a deckhand on a commercial fishing vessel and attained qualifications in handling vessels up to a length of 20 metres. I also gained a good understanding of our oceans. In July 1996, I commenced at North Keppel Island Environmental Education Centre as Unit Support Officer. I am responsible for the grounds and the infrastructure of Centre including one of Australia’s largest stand alone alternative energy sites. I enjoy working in this role which includes being Skipper on the Centre's vessel “Gundoo Spirit" on weekends and when Graeme is on leave. I enjoy working with all groups that visit the Centre. My hobbies include 4 wheel driving and I enjoy National Parks as much as possible. I am a member of Capricornia Bushwalkers Club.
Gavin, Ground and Facilities Officer
Graham Channells
I am the permanent part-time clearer at the Centre. Born in Yeppoon, Queensland. I have spent the last 15 years living and working on various Islands along Queensland’s Eastern seaboard. During this time I gained commercial boating qualifications and experience along with scuba diving to add to my trade in electronics. Formal study includes video and film production, photography and horticulture. I have also worked as a professional musician, playing guitar, keyboards and percussion. I am passionate about conservation and the environment and to this end am fully committed to what NKIEEC has to offer today’s children as they will be tomorrow’s citizens.
Thanks Graham for providing many of the high quality photos that appear on this website.
Lia Larose
Lia is on a contract at another school at present.
Welcome Lisa Wetzler who is replacing Lia at the moment.
Welcome Lisa
Sonya Turner
Casual cleaner
Business Manager 2021
Tanya Champion
Teacher Aide
Naomi Mcgilvary
Casual Grounds Staff
Gavin Hames
Craig Hosking
Casual Boating Officers
Darren Walter
Adrian Molloy
Michael Ross
Gary Holmes
Website/ facebook support.
Email: gholm8@eq.edu.au