BIO - Deb Lavis

Deb Lavis has run successful and award winning businesses for over 25 years. She aims to create businesses that are socially, environmentally and economically viable and is committed to communication to ensure a better world for future generations.

She has received a number of awards and recently (2006) named APBCW Woman of Distinction.

Deb established Ginger Gecko Productions in 2004.  Ginger Gecko Productions is an independent film, television and media venture exploring creative solutions to raise awareness of our environment, to entertain and to inspire individual commitment to a better world. Productions include short films, commercials, documentary and now feature films with a romantic comedy in development.

Her company, Ginger Gecko Productions, also offers consultancy for youth film initiatives with social and environmental outcomes.

Deb created and produces an initiative called ECOtvc (ecological television commercial) which began as a competition to create a short television films to raise awareness about sustainability of our planet and societies… and inspire action. It aims to empower young people to communicate their ideas for the future while they also learn skills, build knowledge and networks.

ECOtvc has many achievements including recognition by Asia Pacific Forum for Environmental Development and United Nations, screening over 42 countries in Asia Pacific region, screening at Adelaide Film Festival and The Aotearoa Environmental Film Festival, broadcast on television, Nature Foundation Awards and Government acknowledgements. International singer, filmmaker and environmentalist, Jack Johnson supports ECOtvc with including meeting filmmakers, screening ECOtvcs at his concerts and website.

Filmmakers Scott Hicks and Mario Andreacchio have both supported the project.
ECOtvc now extends to short film and documentary initiatives, live show productions and film/sustainability master-classes.

Deb is also Owner and Managing Director of Eco Tile Factory since 1987, and Director on the Board of Australia 21, and Business Ambassador for South Australia. As well as Adelaide Australia, she also works out of Penang, Malaysia.