Page 65 - Port Douglas Magazine 30

Where are you from and what’s your earliest Maddison: That we can all work together to late to be proactive to ensure the longevity and
memory about loving the sea? protect The Great Barrier Reef! All we need to do health of the Great Barrier Reef
Louisa: I’m from England so my earliest memories is improve all the little things by 1% and will make What has been one of your favourite personal
are by the freezing North Sea! I grew up combing a bigger difference. experiences on the reef?
the beaches looking at shells and any little creatures Brooke: Learning how to take a good day to a great Louisa: I was 21 when I first saw the reef, I
that washed up. day! Leaving guests with an emotional connection was snorkelling on my own and came across
Maddison: Originally from Taree, NSW. My to the reef. three manta rays. It was a moment I decided that
mother knew before I did that I would grow up to How has this affected your daily working this is where I wanted to be. I managed to talk my
love the sea. Whenever I was upset as a baby my routine? way into my first job from that trip and my journey
mother would put me in front of the fish tank, which Louisa: I’m a lot more aware about how I present started from there.
would calm me down and make me smile. and communicate to try and make the biggest Maddison: Watching someone’s face light up after
Brooke: New Zealand, family holidays boating and impact. I want people to fall in love with the seeing the reef for the first time is something special
fishing! reef as I did, so hopefully people will want to to witness. The awe, the smile and sometimes the
How do you see your role as a Master Guide? make decisions to protect not only our reef but tears of joy. Being part of someone’s life changing
the environment in general. moment is something I will never forget.
Louisa: My role is to bridge the gap between science
and the public. To present accurate information in a Maddison: My daily routine has been enhanced Brooke: In Nov 2019 discovering Green Sea
way that is engaging and memorable. by the Master Reef Guide Program. I can better Turtles had come to Mackay Sand Cay to lay
connect with each guest who comes out to the reef, four nests, something that I had not seen before -
Maddison: Being a Master Reef Guide is important
tell them engaging stories and give them a lasting nature at its finest!
to be able to educate and inspire everyone about the
memory. How do you see your role as a Master Reef Guide
importance of our reef and how we can all work
together to ensure it is properly appreciated and Brooke: Becoming more confident developing?
conserved. How has the training helped with your Louisa: The incredible thing about the reef is that
Brooke: Creating a link - where science meets interaction with visitors? we are always learning and having the network
interpretation coupled with facilitating unforgettable Louisa: We have learnt how to make the biggest of Master Reef Guides means we can share that
experiences! impact in the few short hours we have our knowledge and give our passengers the best
What made you move to Port Douglas? passengers. To give memorable experiences but experiences possible.
also gain an understanding of the fragility of Maddison: As a Master Reef Guide, I have a group
Louisa: I moved up here to work with Sailaway on
the environment and our responsibility in ensuring of people supporting me and helping me achieve
the reef and thought maybe I would be here for
its future. our shared goal. With constant training, like the
just a year but its three years later and I love it. It’s a
stunning area with so much to explore! Maddison: With improved body language and upcoming Masterclass, and shared knowledge I
filled knowledge gaps, I can better connect with can continue to improve my skills as a guide.
Maddison: I was offered a job with Sailaway as a
each individual. Everyone who comes to the Brooke: Continuing to improve and up skill in all
marine biologist. Working in ecotourism means I
reef will not remember every fact I tell them, but aspects of guiding by attending ongoing training
can help connect The Great Barrier Reef to all the
by creating a connection to the reef they have a provided by the GBRMPA.
people visiting it.
feeling they will never forget.
Brooke: The Reef and Rainforest
Brooke: Improved quality of overall guest All that is left for you to do now is enjoy your day
What was the most interesting part of the training? out on the Great Barrier Reef … after all you are
experience
Louisa: We had so many incredible guest speakers in safe hands!
What is the most important message about the
but one that stuck with me was listening to Africa
reef and its future?
Berdonces, a guide in the Galapagos, talk about their
Louisa: That there is hope, the reef is beautiful and
wildlife and what it means to be a guide there.
an absolute wonder, and we have a responsibility
Maddison: Connecting with like-minded people
in making changes now to make sure it’s here for
who share the same goal and sharing ideas on how
another million years into the future.
to protect The Great Barrier Reef.
Maddison: Millions of people rely on the reef
Brooke: Learning about the geological history of the
systems globally. Everyone can work together to
reef - what the now submerged landscapes would
combat climate change and secure the future of
have looked like!
reefs around the world, including The Great Barrier
What was the most valuable thing learned?
Reef – but we need to start now, use everything we
Louisa: Working with NIDA and becoming hyper
have and do everything we possibly can.
aware of how you present to make it most effective For more information
Brooke: That you can still absolutely have a true
- I have to be careful not to bounce on my toes the
once in a lifetime experience and that it is not too gbrmpa.gov.au
whole time!
PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 65