by woppaburra
WTAC was pleased to secure additional funding from our valued partners Queensland Parks and Wildlife through their Reef Joint Management Program and the Fitzroy Basin Association to support Padi Dive training for interested Woppaburra people.
Early February saw the first intake of Padi Dive/ Snorkel Trainees head to Woppaburra Land and Sea Country with the second intake following soon after in May 2023.
Trainees were in safe hands with Master Dive trainers from Keppel Dive and Snorkel stepping them through the theory and practical modules, challenging participants to test their abilities. The training that took place over 5 days on Woppa camping at the Keppel Island Holiday Village providing welcome opportunities to connect with Country and speak with locals.
Participant Robert Muir said “ It was a magical time connecting with family on Country. The skills we learned will aid us in being self sufficient caretakers of the waters around our Country.”
We would like to thank QPWS and FBA once again for their support of Woppaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation’s training program. Woppaburra have challenges in that many do not reside on or near Country and this training is an important first step in attaining one of our key aspirations which is to have Woppaburra people back on Country in management positions. Woppaburra now has 6 trained divers and two accredited snorkelers.
Interested people are encouraged to contact your family representative or the Coordinator to express your interest for next round.
