ReefTO Youth Reference Group

ReefTO - Youth Reference Group - Expressions of Interest

ARE YOU A YOUNG REEF TRADITIONAL OWNER BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18-28 AND ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT SEA COUNTRY, LEADERSHIP, AND SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE REEF?

ReefTO is calling for Expressions of Interest to join the ReefTO Youth Reference Group (YRG) – a dynamic team of passionate young leaders who will help guide ReefTO's work and support the development of youth engagement across the Reef. This is your chance to help shape the future of Sea Country, bring youth voices into ReefTO's work, and connect with other inspiring young leaders. 

What’s the YRG all about?

The Youth Reference Group provides a youth perspective to the ReefTO Taskforce and helps strengthen the leadership of the next generation of Reef Traditional Owners. As a YRG Member, you’ll:

• Help shape ReefTO strategy, policy, and communications


• Lead the youth stream of the Sea Country Summit 2026


• Create youth-led content (e.g. podcasts, bulletins, social media)


• Represent young voices in Reef governance


• Build leadership skills and a network of meaningful relationships

Who we’re looking for

We’re seeking six young Reef Traditional Owners (aged 18–28) who:

• Must be a young Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner who has active connections with Traditional Owner communities of the Reef


• Have an interest in environmental and policy issues related to Reef governance and management, and a passion for cultural self-determination


• Capacity to engage respectfully and constructively in meetings


• Commitment to the purpose and principles of the ReefTO Taskforce


• Some governance experience – e.g. boards, committees or working groups (not mandatory)


• Ability to meet the time commitments associated with preparing for, and attending, meetings held every two months (which will be a mix of online and in person), from September 2025 – November 2026


• Be available to attend the Sea Country Summit over three days in September 2026

We're committed to diversity in gender, region and cultural identity. The YRG will include:

• 2 Co-Chairs (one male, one female - or diverse identities)


• 4 Members (two male, 2 female - or diverse identities)

HOW TO APPLY

1. Click here for more information, view the Terms of Reference and to download the application form


2. Complete the form, then attach it to your online application as a cover letter (we also really encourage you to jump in front of the camera and put together a short 2-3 minute video to support your application - you can share the link to that video in the application too)

If you have any questions about the application process at all, please contact Vicky Drake and she can guide you through it -  [email protected]

Need more info?

If you want to yarn a bit more about this opportunity, get in touch with Gabe Little, Youth Coordinator via:
Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0427 064 685