About

About ReefTO

The Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce (ReefTO) is a Traditional Owner-led initiative driving systems change towards an empowered future for a Healthy Reef and Healthy People in the Great Barrier Reef catchment!

Establishment of ReefTO is a key recommendation in the Reef 2050 Traditional Owner Implementation Plan.

ReefTO Taskforce

ReefTO is driven by a Taskforce of five Members, including two Co-Chairs.

Duane Fraser

Co-Chair

Manuwuri Forester

Co-Chair

Dr Cass Hunter

Member

Dr Leah Talbot

Member

Rev. Shayne Blackman

Member

ReefTO Coordination Unit

ReefTO is supported by a Coordination Unit. Staff in the Coordination Unit implement the activities under the direction of the Taskforce.

Emma Pethybridge

General Manager

Emma has worked in sustainable livelihoods and program design, strategy planning and management for over 20 years. She spent 10 years with the Indigenous Land & Sea Corporation leading teams supporting First Nations people to acquire and manage country and start land & sea-based enterprises, and is the Founder of Certified B Corporation, Ethical Republic.

Shikierra Thorne

Event Planner and Programming Officer

Shikierra is a proud Gamilaroi and Kuku-Yalanji woman with a diverse background in government, community sector and event logistics. Known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail and leadership, she excels in adapting to new challenges.

She has successfully managed a wide range of events, from workshops to national summits. Notable recent projects include the Wiyi Yani U Thangani National Summit (May 2023), the Youth Forum, Supply Nation’s Knowledge Forum 2024, and upcoming events with ReefTO.

Lyndal Pontello

Digital Communications Officer

Lyndal is a design and communications specialist with a passion for purpose-driven work that sparks positive change. With extensive experience in creative strategy and content development, she focuses on projects that drive behavior change and make a meaningful impact.

A proud Wiradjuri descendant, Lyndal has led successful campaigns in Indigenous health, education, and environmental initiatives.

Vacant

Executive Officer-Secretariat

Vacant

Cultural Engagement Officer

In taking carriage of, and driving the actions in the Plan, ReefTO will amplify Reef Traditional Owner voices, elevate their priorities, and enhance Reef Traditional Owner participation and leadership in Reef governance, management and decision-making.

In carrying out its functions, the ReefTO Taskforce will always be guided by, and act in the best interests of, Traditional Owners across the Great Barrier Reef.

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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respects to Elders past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.