Eight local Indigenous guides graduate from Museum of Underwater Art training program
Fully dive certified with their new boat licenses and a wealth of knowledge under their belt, eight Indigenous locals are celebrating their graduation from the Museum of Underwater Art’s ‘Guide Training Program’.
The eight week-long program provided education on marine science, reef health and the management of marine ecosystems, learning from experts in the field.
The graduates also received lessons from leaders in the tourism industry, who helped them gain valuable skills that could see them work as a tour guide - sharing stories of their culture and the connection to Manbarra Sea Country.
MOUA Board Director, Vicki Saylor, was one of eight people involved in the program, she said the experience was overwhelming, in the best way.
“I’ve learnt a lot of things, not just from the program but also from my younger peers. To witness the younger generations learning more about their culture and seeing first-hand the interaction they’ve had with the course is really incredible,” Ms Saylor said.
“It is such a magical mix when science and culture come together,” she said.
Travelling to the James Cook University Goolboodi (Orpheus) Island Research Centre for a final intensive program, the guides graduated at an award ceremony on the idyllic island.
Across the 3-day workshop they participated in coral planting, snorkelling surveys of onshore coral reefs, visited the newly discovered giant bommie ‘Muga Dhambi’, leadership sessions, and more.
The guides said the experience was invaluable and that it has given them the skills to pursue exciting opportunities.
Graduate Gavin Kerr of Palm Island has a deep connection to sea country and loves freediving, but says he learnt things he never knew about the ocean and marine eco-systems.
“This course taught me more things about the ocean, corals and reefs, than I thought possible,” Mr Kerr said.
“This course has been a great opportunity and it will be for more Indigenous kids, it’s opening more doors for us.”
“Now I can go back home and tell all my family and nephews about the reef and how we can look after it,” he said.
Looking ahead, the plan is for the guides to partner with local operators across Townsville North Queensland to offer a unique perspective on tourism experiences that already exists in the region, including the Museum of Underwater Art’s ‘Coral Greenhouse’.
Graduate Aku Mabo Edwards, a proud First Nation’s woman says she’s excited for what’s to come and be able to use her new certifications and licences in a tourism setting.
“I would love to work in the water, this program has made me truly appreciate the ocean and I just want to experience it more,” Miss Mabo Edwards said.
Museum of Underwater Art Board Director, Paul Victory says the organisation hopes to be able to offer more of these programs into the future.
“It’s been an incredibly successful training program. The feedback we’ve received has been extremely positive,” Mr Victory said.
“It’s great that as a not-for-profit organisation we’re able to give back to the community and give local Traditional Owners a platform to succeed, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of The Morris Family Foundation.”
“We’re really proud of everything the guides have achieved throughout the program and look forward to seeing what they do with their new set of skills,” Mr Victory said.
Morris Family Foundation Director Hayley Morris said the foundation was proud to support the program which would benefit not only the participants, but the region as a whole.
“With two of our businesses, Orpheus Island Lodge and The Ville Resort close by, we’re passionate about initiatives that focus on the environment, Indigenous employment, and tourism; so supporting this program is a natural fit for us,” Ms Morris said.
“Not only does it provide meaningful, long-term employment opportunities for the local indigenous community, but it also supports the arts and natural environment which is a win-win for all involved.”
The program was delivered by local business Reef Ecologic, Savannah Guides and Manbarra Traditional Owners.
