Call for Applications – Indigenous Marine Conservation Training Project, Townsville Sector, Great Barrier Reef.
The Coral Sea Foundation and the Djulin Marine Aboriginal Corporation (DMAC) are now opening a call for applications for the DMAC Marine Conservation Training Project in 2024-25. This program, funded under the Great Barrier Reef Foundation's Helping Country Grants, will provide four participants (2 male and 2 female) with the practical training and skills needed to take a lead role in caring for sea country and give them a greater chance of gaining employment in the areas of marine conservation, management, and marine ecotourism.
The program will take place over 10 weekends between September 2024 and November 2025, and includes active sea training using small boats to access reef sites around Yunbenun (Magnetic Island). The program will be led by the Coral Sea Foundation marine scientists (both male and female, Indigenous and non-Indigenous) with support from Wulgurukaba traditional owners.
TRAINING GOALS
Identify common fish and corals on Yunbenun reefs.
Perform a reef monitoring survey using the Olympus TG geotagging camera system
Obtain QLD Marine licence for operating small boats
Learn to use Google Earth and Garmin GPS systems for navigation and reef surveys
Learn to plan a marine expedition and conduct risk assessment
Indigenous community engagement and leadership development
Can I apply?
Applications to this program are open to Indigenous people with connections to sea country in the Townsville, Ingham and Palm Island area.
Applicants should be passionate about caring for sea country and have a strong interest in learning more about the coral reefs and the tropical marine environment of the inshore Great Barrier Reef.
Applicants should be at least 18 years old, in good health and confident swimmers.
Previous experience with boating, snorkelling and / or diving would be beneficial, but are not essential.
Applications close Monday 16th September.
Ready to Apply?
Please complete our online application form at the following link: