Conservationist releases kids’ book series to inspire next gen
“Fall in love with the Reef just like I have.” A Lady Elliot Island conservationist has released a book series on Queensland’s natural wonder to inspire future marine conservationists.
Amy Gash has spent the last 20 years protecting and transforming Lady Elliot Island into a world-class eco-tourism destination. Now, the first book in her series, Ellie’s Reef Adventures, introduces readers to some of the real animals that call the island home, including Bubbles the Bottlenose Dolphin.
“Lady Elliot Island is home to more than 1200 marine species and over the years I’ve come to learn the unique personalities of many of the animals that call the Island home,” Gash said.
“There is Bubbles the Bottlenose Dolphin, Blondie the Green Turtle, and Inspector Clouseau the Pink Manta Ray. I hope by writing about them, children and everyone who reads the books can fall in love with them and the reef just like I have,” she said.
In 2022, Gash was named Queensland Tourism’s Young Achiever of the Year and received a bursary to support the illustration and publication of Ellie’s Reef Adventures.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler said initiatives like Gash’s book highlight the role tourism can play in conservation and education.
“Tourism, when done well, is a force for good – not just economically, but environmentally and socially,” Wheeler said.
“What Amy and her family have achieved on Lady Elliot Island shows how operators can lead in both protecting natural assets and inspiring the next generation to value them.”
She said stories connect young Australians to the places that make Queensland special.
“That connection is what drives long-term stewardship of icons like the Great Barrier Reef and ensures they can be experienced for generations to come,” Wheeler said.
Illustrator Stephanie Elizabeth Lloyd said the Great Barrier Reef was her favourite place for inspiration.
“Bringing its beauty and biodiversity to life through illustration has been a truly exciting journey,” Lloyd said.
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“Sharing Ellie’s world and message with young readers feels more poignant now than ever.”
Ten per cent of profits from the book series will be donated directly to environmental organisations supporting marine protection.
Gash said she wanted the series to capture the Great Barrier Reef’s magic and help young readers feel connected and inspired.
“If these stories help children see the reef as something special and worth looking after, then I’ve achieved exactly what I set out to do,” Gash said.
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