More than 150 young humans from eight local high schools gathered at Ballina Coast High School last week for a day devoted to learning about, and defending, our precious marine environments.
The students, many of whom were studying marine science, were taking part in the first Bright Blue Future Showcase, an interactive event designed to inspire and engage youth in the world of ocean conservation and innovation.
Organised by the youth-focused collective, Ocean Voices, the event saw the students take part in sessions led by some of the region’s leading ecological innovators, including academics, social entrepreneurs, and campaigners.
Want involvement
‘The desire of young people to want to be involved and to make a difference, and their huge capacity to do exactly that, just blows me away,’ the founder of Ocean Voices, Simone Roseler, told The Echo after the event.
‘People sometimes write young people off because they might not be engaged in some aspects of schooling’.
Meaningful solutions
‘But if you give them the opportunity to provide some meaningful solutions and have a voice, that’s when you see what they can really do.’
Kicking off with a dynamic performance and welcome to country by Ballina High’s Aboriginal Dance Group, the day then moved into a series of interactive mentor sessions.
Among those donating their time on the day were Professor Dirk Erler from Southern Cross University, the CEO of Seabin Foundation Dr Maha Paquette, and Tara Jones, the plastics and packaging program manager from the Australian Marine Conservation Society.
Then the students were given a presentation on the negative impacts of ocean plastic by the Ocean Voices Youth Collective, which is made up of young people aged 12 to 16.
Rounding out the day were interactive presentations on manta rays and ways to reduce the use of plastic packaging.
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