General News
8 April, 2026
Reef centre of work
NINE First Nations young people have completed a nationally accredited reef conservation and workplace skills program, gaining qualifications and hands-on experience on the Great Barrier Reef.
The graduates took part in The King’s Trust Australia’s Get into Reef Conservation and the Workplace Skills program, a Skilling Queenslanders for Work funded initiative delivered by the Reef Cooperative.
Delivered over 22 weeks, the program combined levels 1 and 2 of the Reef Cooperative’s reef intervention training program with a Certificate I in Workplace Skills. Participants gained nationally recognised qualifications while developing practical skills in reef conservation and the marine and maritime sectors. Training included real-world conservation work on the reef, with participants achieving occupational diving qualifications used in reef health monitoring and coral recovery.
“Being part of this program showed me that there are real ways to care for Sea Country and build a future at the same time,” said Grace (surname withheld), a graduate of the program.
“Learning on the reef, from scientists and cultural mentors, has helped me see what’s possible, she said.
Citizens of the Reef CEO Andy Ridley said the initiative created opportunities for young people while supporting reef conservation.
“This program reflects what practical hope looks like in action,” he said. “When young people are given the opportunity to learn, contribute and connect with Country, they don’t just gain skills, they become part of the future care of the Great Barrier Reef.”
