Bundaberg Regional Council has supported local students and teachers to experience the Great Barrier Reef firsthand, rewarding their commitment to protecting one of the world’s most iconic natural environments.
It comes as part of the Reef Guardian Council role, an initiative of the Reef Authority, which includes ongoing efforts in working with local Reef Guardian Schools to help protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Recently, students and teachers were invited to take part in the Lady Musgrave Experience’s Marine Biologist for a Day program.
The immersive excursion provided up to 10 local schools with the unique opportunity to explore the environment they have been actively working to protect.
Participants engaged in hands-on learning alongside marine experts, gaining valuable insights into reef ecosystems, conservation challenges and the role science plays in protecting marine environments.
Reef Guardian Council executive members Cr Gary Kirk and Cr Larine Statham-Blair said the experience was designed to both reward and inspire.
“These students have shown incredible leadership in protecting our environment through initiatives like beach clean-ups, recycling programs and reducing plastic use in their schools,” Cr Kirk said.
“Giving them the opportunity to experience the Great Barrier Reef firsthand helps connect their efforts to the real-world impact they are making.”
“It’s about inspiring the next generation to continue caring for our natural assets and understanding just how important their actions are,” Cr Statham-Blair added.
Students were joined on the trip by Jon Moorhead from Monsoon Aquatics, who supports Kalkie State School as a CSIRO STEM Professionals volunteer partner, further enhancing the educational value of the experience.
Participating schools have been actively working to combat threats to the reef through initiatives such as rubbish clean-ups, recycling, plastic-free lunch days, beeswax wrap making, tree planting and the development of environmental awareness materials.
For some students, the excursion marked a significant milestone.
“For a number of participants, this was their first time visiting the reef and for one student, even their first time on a boat,” Cr Statham-Blair said.
“That makes the experience even more meaningful and memorable.”
Elliott Heads State School’s Community Education Counseller Lestricia Little said two student school leaders had attended the trip and enjoyed every moment.
“The entire experience was incredible, especially as it was our first visit to Lady Musgrave Island – snorkelling in the beautiful lagoon and seeing marine life in its natural habitat was unforgettable,” she said.
“The coral was stunning and being able to swim among it was a real highlight.
“Exploring the island itself was also very special.
“We were fortunate to see bird species up close, including a wedge-tailed shearwater nesting along the walking tracks.”
Lestricia said experiences like the Lady Musgrave Island trip gave students a deeper understanding of why it was so important to be guardians of the reef.
“At our school, caring for the reef and looking after Country is a key focus, particularly through our BundaWanDi Rangers group,” she said.
“Being located so close to the ocean, we understand the responsibility we have as a community to help protect it – from our school grounds to our local shores.
“This excursion has strengthened our commitment to protecting the reef and reinforced how important this responsibility is”.
Bundaberg Regional Council remains committed to supporting local schools and fostering environmental leadership through its ongoing involvement in the Reef Guardian program and Council’s Bundaberg Jobs Commitment initiative.
This experience received funding from a local private business who shares the regions focus on environmental sustainability.
