Page 84 - Port Douglas Magazine 35

Hannah Kennedy

When I sat down with Hannah Kennedy there was a lot of trash talk going
back and forth. Well, the talk was about marine debris – the lethal litter that
contaminates our oceans and waterways killing precious marine life. If that sounds
kind of grim that’s because it is. However, thanks to Hannah and the organisation
of which she is the Project Coordinator, Tangaroa Blue Foundation, together with
“Beach clean-ups are a the help of volunteers they are cleaning up beaches and working on ways to stop
the flow of litter at the source.
wonderful opportunity for Hearing an American accent that sounded like someone from the movie Fargo,
Hannah told me she hailed from the midwestern state of Wisconsin, moving to
tourists to get involved in the Australia in 2019.
Now my curiosity was sparked - a marine biologist from a landlocked state, seemed
community, mix with locals, like a real fish out of water story.
“My parents have always had an affinity with Australia. We watched shows like
and make a difference while ‘The Crocodile Hunter’, and seeing the oceans and nature was inspiring.
“Growing up I was taught by my parents to embrace nature, summers were for
on holidays” camping, we were always outdoors exploring,” said Hannah.
With such childhood experiences, she was destined for a caring career in
conservation. Even now, on her days off, you’ll find Hannah soaking up nature,
whether it be on a hike to an amazing waterfall or at the beach. The outdoor
lifestyle drew her to Port Douglas and the welcoming community that takes an
active role as stewards of the environment.
The coconut drops on my curiosity when she tells me how her love for the
oceans and passion for protecting them became clear when she took on a Marine
Education Coordinator position in the Florida Keys.
There she pioneered a marine debris program focused specially for children to
teach them the importance of conservation, and here is where she truly found her
calling.
Finishing her masters in Townsville at JCU, one of her proudest achievements,
Hannah didn’t hesitate for a hot tropical minute to move up to Port Douglas when
Tangaroa Blue started calling.
“I could live here,” she exclaimed during her first visit to Port when coming up for
a dive on the Great Barrier Reef. Like so many, but now for her, that has become a
welcomed reality.
Eight months into her role with Tangaroa Blue, her passion and excitement is
infectious as she explains how she looks forward to encouraging more volunteers to
get involved in the movement and welcoming tourists to help make a difference.
“Beach clean-ups are a wonderful opportunity for tourists to get involved in the
community, mix with locals, and make a difference while on holidays,” she said.
With Tangaroa Blue events all over Australia she hopes that when people leave
Port Douglas, they’ll seek out an opportunity to take part in a beach clean-up near
them.
She is busy creating a shopping list of events to be organised that not only includes
beach clean-ups but also educating the community, especially our younger
generation which is something very dear to her.
“It is vital to take the time to teach conservation to children, so they can be a part
of the journey to protect our oceans for today and tomorrow,” she said.
Coming from the cool climate of the Northern United States, Hannah loves the
chilled winter months which are like a warm summer’s day from where she’s from.
However, she does appreciate the rainy months, saying that’s when the rainforest
glistens: “Never let a little drizzle stop you from visiting such a magical place,” she
quips.
Hannah’s hot tropical take - a swim in the ocean can cleanse the mind, body, and
soul – with this you’ll never have a bad day in paradise.
86 tourismportdouglas.com.au