After more than three decades of advocacy, Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owners have established their own independent, Reef-wide Alliance. Now, the search is underway for an inaugural Chief Executive Officer to help turn generations of ambition into lasting change.
A new chapter in Traditional Owner leadership and self-determination began on 30 September, when 34 Traditional Owner groups came together in Gladstone to formally establish the ReefTO Alliance.
The historic gathering, held on the lands of the Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda peoples, marked the culmination of more than 30 years of advocacy for a stronger Traditional Owner voice in the future of the Great Barrier Reef.
For the first time, Reef Traditional Owners have a permanent, independent, member-owned organisation to advance shared priorities and advocate directly on decisions affecting their Sea Country.
Spanning from Bundaberg to the Torres Strait, the Alliance provides a collective platform for Traditional Owner groups while respecting each Nation's cultural authority and autonomy.
Its establishment represents an important shift: from Traditional Owners being consulted on decisions affecting Sea Country towards having greater authority in making them.
The vision dates back to Sea Country Forums in the 1990s and was later formalised in the 2018 Traditional Owner Aspirations Report and Reef 2050 Traditional Owner Implementation Plan.
Outgoing ReefTO Taskforce Co-Chair Manuwuri Forester said the milestone belonged to generations of Traditional Owners who carried the vision.
"This moment belongs to everyone who carried this vision before us. Our Elders, our leaders and the people who kept turning up, travelling the long distances and having the difficult conversations, often without recognition."
"What we inherited from our old people now needs to be strengthened and protected for the next generation. We are creating something our young people can inherit as an opportunity, not a burden."
At the founding ReefTO Summit, Traditional Owners set priorities including stronger authority in Reef management, greater economic participation, permitting reform, stronger compliance powers for rangers and recognition of cultural authority and lore.
Founding Members also elected Wuthathi and Malu Kiwai woman Yodie Batzke and Gurang Elder Uncle Shayne Blackman as Interim Co-Chairs. Together with the Interim Board, they will guide the Alliance's establishment and transition to a fully member-elected Board in 2027.
The Alliance is now recruiting its inaugural Chief Executive Officer, marking another significant milestone in its establishment.
The position offers a rare opportunity for an experienced Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leader to shape an organisation built on generations of Traditional Owner advocacy.
Working with the Board, Co-Chairs and Members, the CEO will build organisational capability, strengthen governance, establish strategic partnerships and translate Member priorities into action.
The role will also help position the Alliance as a trusted and influential voice across the Great Barrier Reef system, advancing Traditional Owner rights, cultural authority and aspirations in decisions affecting Sea Country.
Candidates will bring executive leadership experience, strong cultural capability, governance and financial management expertise, and the ability to build relationships across Traditional Owner communities, government and industry.
Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications for the inaugural CEO position are open until Monday 23 November 2026. Learn more and apply online.
For a confidential conversation about the role, contact Will Wilson from Watermark, Reef TO's recruitment partner, on 0499 920 848 or [email protected].
