Welcome to our Summer issue of Quickies

Congratulations to the Green Island Resort team, winning the 2023 Cairns Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for “Sustainability and Environmental Excellence”. 

“This recognition reaffirms the resort's unwavering commitment to minimising environmental impact while delivering an exceptional guest experience,” said Tony Baker, Quicksilver Group Managing Director.

Green Island Resort’s sustainability initiatives are significant and always evolving - from the original construction that set ecotourism benchmarks, through to installation of renewable and new generation power technologies to some of the most innovative waste management practices in Australia.

Accepting the award, Green Island Resort General Manager Sue O’Donnell said, “We’re thrilled to receive this award. Those of us who work on Green Island are very proud of where we are and what we do to protect this unique location for now and future generations.”

“We offer our house guests ‘back-of-house’ tours conducted by our engineering team; guests are blown away with the infrastructure in such a small footprint and also with our diligence to waste management.  

Through our staff sign up and on-boarding we are able to demonstrate the importance of sustaining this environment with the least impact. Everyone contributes to ensure we’re following best practice and this award is testament to their dedication.”

Green Island Resort's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its 46-room resort accommodation. The management and sustainability efforts encompass all facets of the island, from providing public facilities for island day visitors, to providing off-grid essential services infrastructure such as tertiary sewage treatment, desalination, and power plants to service the island’s other facilities.

Pictured: Proud Green Island Resort staff celebrate their award recognition. Photographer - Francisco Puchulu.

Danny and Portia, two Green Sea Turtles have been released back into the wilds of the Great Barrier Reef, just off Green Island.

Released by the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre with French adventurer and presenter, Maud Fontenoy, both Danny and Portia had been in long-term care.

Danny, a juvenile turtle, had been found floating off Ellis Beach north of Cairns covered in barnacles and spent the next 18 months in the care of the CTRC team of volunteers..

Portia, aptly named after being found near Port Douglas, is a sub-adult female that had a neurological condition which required a lengthy four year rehabilitation.

It was an emotional and beautiful farewell from the CTRC team led by the centre’s co-founder Jennie Gilbert.

While they are now happily back in the wild, Danny’s travels will be monitored through a satellite tracking device attached to his back. This will enable researchers to see how turtles live in the region, and where and how far they travel in their natural habitat.

Green Island is the ideal home for the turtle duo, with its healthy population of juvenile green turtles and the significant seagrass beds in the shallows to graze on.

From a small rented shop on the Cairns waterfront in 1983 to an internationally recognised leader in the dive industry, Pro Dive Cairns recently celebrated a remarkable 40 year milestone. 

In the early years, pool work was conducted in a local backpacker hostel’s swimming pool with training dives at Lake Eacham on the Atherton Tablelands and then completed on the Great Barrier Reef. 

Today 180,000 dive certifications and 40 years later with a team of 55 local staff, Pro Dive Cairns operates a purpose built 5 Star PADI Diver Training and Instructor Development Centre, three premier 24 metre liveaboard vessels conducting year round 3 day/2 night trips to the Outer Reefs off Cairns, and a dive specialty retail store. 

Quicksilver Group Managing Director Tony Baker said, “Over the past 40 years, the company has introduced the underwater world of SCUBA and the Great Barrier Reef to a global community. It is a tribute to past and present staff that more than 180,000 people have decided to do their dive certification with us and that over 600 professional dive instructors have begun their dive careers at Pro Dive Cairns.” 

“We are extremely proud of these achievements. The fact that so many people have chosen Pro Dive Cairns is very satisfying and reflects an ongoing commitment to providing the best possible dive education and diving adventures over many years.” 

PADI Managing Director, Danny Dwyer said, “Our entire team at PADI would like to congratulate the team at Pro Dive Cairns on reaching the remarkable milestone of 40 years in the dive industry. Pro Dive Cairns enjoys an international reputation as one of the world’s premier diver training schools.“ 

“Pro Dive Cairns has issued over 180,000 PADI certifications, a prestigious milestone only achieved by a few PADI dive operators worldwide. While this is an outstanding numerical achievement, we applaud Pro Dive Cairns ongoing commitment to quality education, diver safety and professionalism as their first priority. Our two companies have shared a strong and successful business partnership for 40 years and we’re looking forward to sharing more success in the years ahead,” said Mr Dwyer. 

Paul Lim, General Manager Pro Dive Cairns added, “Our longevity in business is an outstanding testament to our partnership with PADI and the dedication and professionalism of all our staff over the years, as well as the quality and reputation of our product.” 

Congratulations Pro Dive Cairns and here's to continuing to deliver exceptional diving experiences for many more generations of underwater explorers.

What if we told you that in our most recent survey with Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority over 100 (and still counting) different species of corals were found at our Quicksilver Agincourt Reef platform?

That's nearly one quarter of ALL hard corals found on the Great Barrier Reef in one place! It highlights what we've always known, that Agincourt Reef is a very special place. With each species individually photographed and recorded, the diversity count is still ongoing. Each day our guests can discover incredible coral diversity, just a snorkel away at this exceptional World Heritage site.

This research is being conducted as part of GBRMPA's Tourism Reef Protection Initiative, and forms a part of our stewardship plan for protecting our beautiful patch of the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

The Great Barrier Reef is an amazing place to work; we love the reef and we absolutely love what we do. Since the beginning of the year, the stewardship teams across the Quicksilver Group have been diving deep into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Tourism Reef Protection Initiative, doing important monitoring and conservation work.

From high frequency reef health surveys and monitoring, to crown-of-thorns starfish and drupella control, and more; the Tourism Reef Protection Initiative allows us to play an increased role in the management and preserving this wonderful place we call home.

This video highlights the first phase, with the program ongoing until June 2024.

The Tourism Reef Protection Initiative is funded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as part of the Australian Government's Reef Protection Package. © Commonwealth of Australia (GBRMPA)

Examining the extent of coral spawning and types of corals spawning in the Cairns and Port Douglas region is the aim of a new research project in which our Reef Biosearch teams at Quicksilver and Great Adventures are participating.

Co-ordinated by James Cook University TropWATER (Cairns-Port Douglas Reef Hub Coordinator) the teams, along with other participating reef companies, aim to establish a regional network to monitor relative coral recruitment from the November-December 2023 spawning period.

The project involved placement of 60 special recruitment tiles at some of our key reef sites; three Agincourt reef sites, Great Adventures Moore Reef pontoon and Flynn Reef.

On cue, December 1 was the big night for coral spawning to be observed, notably at the Agincourts and Low Isles.

Placed in 6-8m of water they may be visible to both divers and snorkellers.

Phil Coulthard, Reef Biosearch Manager Cairns said it’s a great opportunity for our customers to see and learn about reef health and our efforts to better understand and protect the GBR.

The tiles will be recovered in early 2024.

Congratulations to our newest Master Reef Guides, Quicksilver marine biologist Lucy Rose Seeary, Great Adventures marine biologist Bekki Hull and Blake Angucedar for the Wunyami Cultural Tours based on Green Island.

Across the Group, we have nine Master Reef Guides, part of our Reef Biosearch teams, and a more passionate group about this wonderful World Heritage environment you could not meet!

Through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Master Reef Guide program, they are recognised as expert interpreters and storytellers whose role is to share the wonders of the Reef through engaging, entertaining and educational experiences. Join them for a guided snorkel tour, island walk or just a chat onboard!
 
Launched in 2019, the Master Reef Guide program for High Standard Operators is delivered by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators, and Tourism and Events Queensland. 

A very long way from home, a near-threatened Nicobar Pigeon, a living relative of the extinct Dodo bird, has been visiting Green Island and causing great excitement among island visitors and bird watchers. It's apperance also bears cultural significance to the Gurrugulu Gunghandji and Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji communities.

The Nicobar pigeon, Caloenas nicobarica, is nomadic and named for India’s Nicobar Islands with a typical habitat on isolated Southeast Asian islands. 

Green Island Resort General Manager, Sue O'Donnell said the bird was first sighted around 1 November and has been affectionately named “Emerald” by the resort staff because of its distinctive iridescent green plumage, and fittingly, the Resort'sEmeralds  Restaurant.

The bird was identified by a Wunyami Cultural Tour guide; a wonderful and unexpected experience while conducting a tour of the island’s traditional and cultural history.

GudjuGudju Fourmile (Gurrugulu Gunghandji and Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Elder) said, "Regarding the Nicobar Pigeon, currently spotted in Wunyami, the elders of both the Gurrugulu Gunghandji and Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji communities are delighted by its reappearance. 

“This majestic bird holds a significant place in our shared cultural narrative, and its return serves as a meaningful symbol that we anticipate above-average temperatures in the near future".

About the Nicobar Pigeon

The closest living relative to the extinct Dodo, the Nicobar is a large pigeon measuring up to 40 cm in length. The head and chest is grey, which turns into green and copper hackles from the neck to give it its distinct look. The tail is short and white. The rest of its plumage is metallic green. 

They will mate for life. The male chooses the nest site and brings twigs and other plant material to the female who builds the nest. One egg is produced per clutch and they usually clutch twice per year. Both parents incubate the egg which hatches after about 30 days. In the wild, the Nicobar has a lifespan of 8-12 years, and up to 15 years in captivity. Nicobar pigeons are classified as near threatened by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). They are known to fall victim to the pet trade, logging on islands and trapped for food. 

Photograph credit to Whitney Zelenitsky: “Emerald” Nicobar pigeon at Green Island resort grounds

The Wunyami Cultural Walking Tour brings traditional stories to life and a new perspective to Green island’s cultural history. Launched in 2022, the Wunyami (Green Island’s traditional name) Tours are owned and operated by traditional owners, sharing the stories of the GuruGulu Gungganji (Yarrabah) and Gimuy Yidinji (Cairns) people. Guides have special permission from their elders to share the stories of the island and the Great Barrier Reef with all who come on this tour. Along the way, participants learn about traditional food and medicinal uses of the rainforest plants, participate in traditional fire lighting techniques and can learn about the cultural importance of clay painting.  The tour takes approximately one hour and is available to be pre-booked with Great Adventures Green Island Cruises or on the island at the Black Seahorse shop.

The Quicksilver Group’s Reef Biosearch (Cairns) team of marine biologists have introduced a range of complimentary Great Barrier Reef educational activities for guests at Green Island Resort and Pro Dive Cairns liveaboard dive trips.

On Green Island

With the introduction of two guided eco tours, guests at Green Island Resort are now gaining a new insight into the island’s wildlife, sustainability and conservation, complementing their island holiday. 

From an “eco clean and green walk” to a “reef resilience glass bottom boat tour”, the complimentary eco tours led by a Reef Biosearch marine biologist form part of the resort’s educational and guest activity programme highlighting sustainability initiatives.

The eco walk sees guests equipped with an innovative Little Hero Beach Hand Bin developed by Tangaroa Blue. Following the rainforest boardwalk to the island’s southern shores, guests learn about the island’s fascinating history, biology and ecology while helping to keep the island free from marine debris and litter.

“It’s a great way to raise awareness, remove potential threats to marine life and collect valuable data for the Australian Marine Debris Initiative,“ said Phil Coulthard Cairns’ Reef Biosearch Manager.  

The glass bottom boat Reef Resilience tour gives an insight into the health of, and caring for the Great Barrier Reef, including a coral restoration project being undertaken at an island dive and snorkel site. 

“Guests have been very interested to learn about threats, monitoring and management of the Reef. When they go for a snorkel or wade from the beach, they’re getting a whole new appreciation of what they’re seeing.”

The Green Island eco tours are currently conducted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

At Pro Dive Cairns

Before heading off on their Great Barrier Reef liveaboard dive trip, Pro Dive Cairns customers are now benefitting from a complimentary marine biologist Reef Talk presentation.

“It’s a great way to learn about the reef and gain an appreciation of why it’s so special, and to get our customers ready for an amazing underwater experience with informed eyes.”

They gain a general understanding of the Great Barrier Reef’s ecology and biology, the fascinating marine life they may encounter and conservation initiatives of this remarkable World Heritage environment.

The Reef Talk presentations are conducted each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evening.

Reef Biosearch: Combining tourism, education, conservation and research. Reef Biosearch is the Quicksilver Group’s pioneering environmental division of marine biologists. Founded in 1986, the team has over 20 university educated marine biologists who join our reef tours from Port Douglas and Cairns.

Little Hero Beach Hand Bin: is an environmentally friendly device designed to collect and catch small litter to prevent it from ending up in the ocean and harming the marine environment. Developed by Tangaroa Blue Foundation, an Australia-wide not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the removal and prevention of marine debris, the device is made from sustainably sourced lightweight paper stock and designed to be reusable.

Congratulations to Great Adventures marine biologist Bekki Hull on being selected for the State Government’s Young Tourism Leaders program as a role model to inspire young people to consider a career in the tourism industry.

Announced recently at a special event at Parliament House in Brisbane, Bekki, representing the Cairns region joined 24 other young leaders from across Queensland.

“I’m thrilled to be recognised for this program and look forward to sharing my own stories and journey with schools, TAFE and university students to advocate for careers in the tourism industry.” said Ms Hull.

Working with Great Adventures Reef Biosearch team of marine biologists, Bekki is also a Master Reef Guide, showcasing the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef to visitors from across the globe.

"Bekki's passion for marine conservation and education aligns perfectly with the tourism industry's potential to foster a deep appreciation for our marine environment,” said Phil Coulthard Reef Biosearch Manager Cairns.

“Through her involvement in the 2024 young tourism leaders program, she can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between these two realms, highlighting how the tourism industry can effectively communicate the importance of conservation to a global audience. Her expertise and enthusiasm will undoubtedly inspire future tourism professionals and travellers alike to become stewards of our precious marine ecosystems,” said Mr Coulthard.

Prior to joining Great Adventures, Bekki spent five years working as a resident marine biologist for a luxury resort in the Maldives, and many years doing various volunteering and internships around the world; from working with Great White sharks in South Africa to marine conservation and coral restoration work in Mauritius.

Launched in 2017, the Young Tourism Leaders program is an initiative of the Queensland Government Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, supported by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training and the Department of Education.

Over 120 students had a sensational day at Low Isles celebrating the end of their primary school journey. Spending the day with Quicksilver at Low Isles is a long standing and much anticipated end of school tradition for Year 6 children in the Douglas Shire. 

With students and teachers from nine local schools, it's a wonderful experience for the children to engage with other schools, learn about the unique environment they live in, and create new young reef ambassadors for future conservation.

Mossman State School teacher Elise Bellero said, “Thank you so much for an absolutely sensational day at Low Isles. Everything on the day was, as always, 11/10. We really appreciate you welcoming us back and hope to see you again next year."

Schools joining this year’s trip were Alexandra Bay State School (SS), Daintree SS, Julatten SS. Miallo SS, Mossman SS, Port Douglas SS, Wonga SS, Mt Molloy SS and St Augustine’s School.

Proud parents Brian Cave, our General Manager of Operations in Cairns and wife Brigitte have been presented with Platinum and Gold by Warner Records to commemorate their musical sons’ recording successes.

From recording in their Cairns bedrooms to over 1,000,000 in vinyl record sales for their hit Swim, their sons Clinton and Mitchel are now based in Los Angeles with their band Chase Atlantic.  In 2021 Chase Atlantic were Honouree winners of the AAAUSA Emerging Artist Award and surpassed 1billion streams of their music and over 1 million YouTube subscribers. When not recording, they're busy touring the US and Europe with a dedicated fan base.

A recent review from Disrupted Magazine said the crowd erupted into a frenzy when the band took to the stage at the Glasgow O2 Academy. “These boys know how to put on a show!”

It’s amazing to think that around 10 years ago both Clinton and Mitchel participated in the Quicksilver Group Scholarship Program for children of employees, undertaking tertiary studies in music technology at the Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane, Griffith University. 

Just like our old uniforms, sustainability comes in all shapes and sizes! We’re delighted to contribute to Upparel, recycling old staff uniforms into a second life while closing the loop on textile waste.

Once textiles are sorted and assessed for recycling, they are broken down through an industrial tearing process to create a fine fluffy fibre. This recycled fibre is used to create a unique material for packaging, signage, homewares and much more.

For every 1kg of textiles that avoids landfill, an average 3-4kg of greenhouse gases is prevented from polluting the atmosphere. 100% of the recoverable textiles that go to Upparel are reused, repurposed, or recycled within our Australian and New Zealand ecosystem – meaning absolutely nothing is sent to landfill. And that’s a great thing!

Great Adventures was delighted to welcome Olympic karate champion Joyce Juma to Green Island. A long way from Kenya, Joyce had a wonderful day experiencing our part of the world. At home, she does incredible work empowering women and girls through karate, bringing dignity, hope and a sense of self worth. 

Billy brings a love of tourism and wealth of experience to his role as our Asia Sales Manager. A long-time friend of Quicksilver through the company’s China Sales Group initiative and work with Hot Air Balloon, he is delighted to have joined the Quicky team while Catherine Wang takes on her new role of motherhood.

With an MBA from UTS (University of Technology Sydney) and over 20 years of sales and marketing experience within the tourism industry, Billy said tourism has changed and enriched his life. He enjoys philosophy, reading and loves nothing more than putting his studies and marketing theory into practice.

Billy can be contacted at [email protected]