About Us

Who developed the Gibson Gorilla Kit and why?

The 'Gibson Gorilla Kit' was developed with love and conviction, by Pam McKeller in the hope that many more teachers, parents and children could experience the fun, love and sense of community which has surrounded Gilbert Gorilla, a take-home friend, at the Parish Centre Preschool. 

 

 

Gibson Gorilla is owned by Elizabeth Mackney, a Neurologic Music Therapist and Registered Nurse from Lismore, NSW, and owner of Lismore Music Therapy.  Together with her Gibson team and colleagues, Liz plans to extend the learning benefits of Gibson Gorilla Kit Company beyond the educational sector to the health and disability sectors.

 

 

With the support of Elise Cavanagh, speech pathologist and owner of The Speech & Swallow Clinic, Liz and Gibson have started running a Rural Outreach Therapy Program aimed improving the accessibility of specialised services to rural and remote communities within Australia in early 2024.

 

Madeline Mackney is the Media Manager for Gibson Gorilla. Working alongside Liz, Madeline supports in the maintenance and operation of the business, customer service, social media and advertisement. 

 

 

 

Gibson builds relationships and helps children practise responsibility 

Gibson will become the most loved 'resource' of your early childhood institution or primary school class. He will have countless 'sleepovers' with your children and their families. He will build up a journal of photos and stories for everyone to share, which will honour the culture of each family... 

• belonging*  to all,

• being*  with each child and

• becoming*  the 'heart' of your organisation

* Concepts from the EYLF Australia

 

What is the story behind Gibson Gorilla and what is Gibson's 'family' history?

Gibson's name means 'son of Gilbert, the trusted promised one'.  Gilbert Gorilla belonged to the Parish Centre Preschool years prior to Gibson. He has had over seven hundred sleepovers with the children and their families and he has been to Canada, Disneyland, Vanuatu and Fiji.

You will be astounded by the children's passion in portraying their experiences in Gibson's journal and watch as they delight in reading his journal over and over again - it is such brilliant immersion in literacy!
I guarantee that your children, staff and families will love Gibson as much as Gilbert has been loved by all at the Parish Preschool."       

– Pam McKellar Director/Teacher

This is the original Gilbert Gorilla!