by woppaburra
Woppaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation (WTAC) have partnered with CoralWatch on a program that empowers young Woppaburra Land and Sea Rangers to build leadership skills, learn about the importance of the collection of scientific data that will help to inform management of our Sea Country.
CoralWatch, based at The University of Queensland, is a well established citizen science program founded in 2002 and it integrates global coral health monitoring with education and public outreach creating reef awareness using simple and engaging tools. Read more here.
The Partnership began with two WTAC representatives attending five days of intensive training in March 2026 on Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, Bailai and Taribelang Bunda people’s Country- Heron Island.
The CoralWatch Coral Health Chart records changes in coral colour, and provides a simple tool for people to monitor coral colour as an indicator of coral health.
Our newly trained Ambassadors can now pass on their skills, not only to our new Land and Sea Rangers, but to the wider Community.
Heron Island Training
Outback to Ocean- Woppa Community Day 13 June 2026
CoralWatch and the University of Queensland were fortunate enough to secure funding through an Engaging Science Grant from the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) to deliver Outback to Ocean, a new series of immersive educational workshops across regional Queensland.
As part of this initiative CoralWatch partnered with Woppaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation, Capricorn Conservation Council and Livingstone Shire Council to deliver a community event on Woppa (Great Keppel Island)
Participants were eager to hear directly from CoralWatch representatives Karen, Diana and Woppaburra regarding coral biology and explained how the CoralWatch program empowers individuals to be part of the solution when it comes to protecting the reef. Through virtual reality headsets everyone was able to see the amazing beauty of our Reef further inspiring us to do all we can to protect it.
Capricorn Conservation Council helped celebrate the day with information on their initiatives and opportunities to join them.
Capricorn Coast Marine Community shared information regarding the threat marine debris poses to our coastal and marine ecosystems and the Tangaroa Blue Foundation’s AMDI with a focus on our beloved marine turtles.
The day started with a beautiful traditional smoking ceremony was delivered by Woppaburra men Nerark Morris and his son Zacharii after which Uncle Sonny Van Issum led the group on a walk where he shared his Cultural knowledge and information on the history of the island. To find out more click here.
Elder, Uncle Sonny Van Issum said ‘ It was a great opportunity for our people to share some of our tragic history but more importantly highlight the resilience of our people and demonstration our ongoing cultural connection to our country”.
