Tobias

Tobias is a single father from Yarrabah, the traditional country of the Gunggandji and Yidinji people.

“It’s something I can hold on to and pass down to my children, nieces and nephews.”

Previously a plumber, Tobias was looking to build his skills and expand his career options by learning more about reef conservation through the Get Into Reef Conservation programme.

During the seven-week course Tobias learned valuable reef conservation methods.

“We learnt to scuba dive and how to weld MARRS Reef Stars which are used for coral restoration. We learnt how to map the reef and how to analyse data.”

Along with these technical skills, Tobias also gained new employable skills. “Skills like digital literacy, communications and self-management. Skills we can take into any career.”

When asked what advice he has for other young people interested in programmes like this one, he shared an enthusiastic piece of wisdom.

“Go for it! Be like a sponge and soak everything up and learn what you can.”

“It has made me more respectful of the reef and I now know what I can do to protect my Sea Country. It might only be a little part of the reef, but it still helps. The more people who do their bit, the better it will be.”