The Whitsundays is now richer in its tourism offering thanks to the hard work and dedication of seven representatives from the industry who have recently achieved their Master Reef Guide status.
A big moment for both the individuals and the high standard tourism operators they work for, this Master Reef Guide cohort represents the fifth year of the initiative which sees tourism professionals reach exceptional standards in both knowledge and product delivery.
“This is the seventh cohort and to celebrate our fifth year we decided to go back to where it all began, Lady Elliot Island,” said Master Reef Guide Project Manager, Crystal Lacey.
“Master Reef Guides enhance the education and storytelling for guest experience throughout the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
“The course also provides a platform for not only the Master Reef Guides but the operators to have access to world leading scientists and experts in their field.”
There were 42 applicants for this round and 21 lucky individuals were selected.
There are now 123 Master Reef Guides in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and 35 mentors who share information and knowledge with the guides.
The five-day course on Lady Elliot Island included a strong in-water component and also a collaboration with Professor Sean Ulm who ensured there is a very strong Indigenous Culture knowledgebase within the Master Reef Guide Training.
Staff from the following local businesses were successful in becoming Master Reef Guides: Ocean Rafting, Red Cat Adventures, Explore Group, Summertime, Providence Sailing and Cruise Whitsundays all completed course.
Congratulations to everyone involved.
Heath Robertson from Ocean Rafting, Grant Lewis from Providence Sailing, Benny Howard from Ocean Rafting/Ocean Safari, Ka Lai Long (Carlos) from Cruise Whitsundays (Reef Safari), Nathalie Hartman from Denison Star Pty Ltd T/A Explore Group, Scotty Bowen from Red Cat Adventures and Brad Shultz from Summertime Whitsundays. Photo supplied.
