Located on the southern Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by pristine coral reef habitats, The University of Queensland's Heron Island Research Station (HIRS) proudly hosted the second Cultural Awareness Training and Knowledge Exchange workshop from 19 to 22 June.
The 4-day workshop was facilitated with 8 elders representing the First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda peoples, with participants from the University of Sydney's One Tree Island Research Station, The University of Queensland Faculty of Science, Heron Island Resort and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).
Academic Director of HIRS, Associate Professor Chris Roelfsema, said the event was about bringing people together, learning from the island and reef, and building connections to foster ongoing collaboration.
"The primary aim is to facilitate Cultural Awareness Training and knowledge sharing that leads to genuine, ongoing relationships between Traditional Owners, Indigenous groups, and the partner institutions and organisations caring for Heron Island and its surrounding reef," said Dr Roelfsema.
Building on the strong foundations laid in 2025, this year's program focused on community, connection and aspiration-building for the younger generation.
Over the course of the 4 days, participants took part in workshops, underwater experiences, virtual reality sessions, and guided reef and island walks.
Day one — connection to Country
On arrival, Bailai Elder Uncle Mick Eggmolesse provided a Welcome to Country on the sandy shores before participants came together for Connection to Heron sessions, facilitated by Emeritus Professor Tracey Bunda (AM).
The day focused on orientation, cultural grounding and building a sense of belonging, and closed with participants watching the sunset over the ocean before moving into a Crochet Heron session led by UQ CoralWatch Program Manager Diana Klein.
Day 2 — cultural connections, heritage and reflection
Reflections gathered throughout the workshop captured an honest starting point with a mix of anxiety, welcome, respect and optimism.
Uncle Shayne Blackman led a session exploring Indigenous cultural connections to the Capricorn coast, land and reefs, providing mutual understanding of the current challenges to overcome in future.
Emeritus Professor Tracey Bunda facilitated a session on protocols of engagement, with discussions centred on creating safe spaces where Traditional Owners, university staff, HIRS staff, resort staff and other partners could listen, share knowledge and strengthen trust.
There was shared recognition that building relationships of this kind takes courage and time.
Day 3 — knowledge sharing and future visions
A clear and recurring theme was the need to translate goodwill into practical commitment through stronger communication, removing barriers to involvement, and creating more genuine opportunities for community participation.
Professor Avril Robertson led the morning session, which focused on co-developing research guidelines centred on early Indigenous involvement and a relationship-first approach to research partnerships.
Participants also highlighted the importance of connecting young people to the reef through practical experiences such as university study, ranger programs, art and curriculum links.
They also highlighted the chance to experience Heron Island firsthand through school visits or cultural camps, as well as spending time with family and elders on Heron.
The afternoon session focused on how to achieve ideal collaboration, led by Uncle Bob Muir and Hannah Allen from AIMS.
One of the suggestions was to provide support pathways for early career researchers, to encourage early engagement and co-design with Indigenous partners.
Day 4 — reflection and next steps
By the close of the workshop, discussion had turned to what comes next.
The final reflections brought the workshop back to the importance of relationships, respect, action and long-term commitment.
Participants emphasised the need to maintain momentum through practical follow-up, regular engagement, and accountability to community priorities.
The priorities identified include continued support for young people and families, cultural learning opportunities, employment pathways, and community-led decision-making.
As the tide rolled in on the final afternoon, participants were clear that the value of the 4 days would ultimately be measured not by the workshop itself, but by the actions, commitments and relationships that follow it.
