Keppel Dive’s Tilly Shepherd announced as our region’s fourth Master Reef Guide
Posted on December 8th, 2023
Growing up on boats and learning to snorkel almost before she could walk, there is no wonder Keppel Dive’s staff member Tilly Shepherd put both hands up to become the fourth Master Reef Guide (MRG) working across Keppel Bay.
Joining an outstanding collective of 123 Master Reef Guides across the Great Barrier Reef, Tilly took part in the 7th cohort of training (alongside 21 new MRGs), which was held on Lady Elliot Island early in November.
Master Reef Guides are selected to ensure a world-class representation of the Reef, its values, and the management in place to protect those values. They are recognised as the world’s leading advocates, interpreters, and storytellers.
With her father working in the marine industry, life on the water fast became part of Tilly’s day-to-day life, with places such as Lizard Island and Ribbon Reefs offering a backyard and classroom for her childhood and learning.
“I did distance education for 6 months of every year, anchored up at Lizard Island or sailing somewhere along the length of the Great Barrier Reef,” Tilly said.
“In between the compulsory maths lessons, I snorkelled for hours, wrote stories about the lives of the reef creatures I saw there, and hung out with the marine biologists, skippers, divers and grotty yachties who had all been drawn to the same place.”
“From day dot, I was lucky enough to be around people who loved the ocean, loved the reef, loved everything in, on and under the water.”
Tilly’s last four years in the industry have seen her working for Keppel Dive and Snorkel and Aroona Luxury Boat Charters.
“The diversity of these two jobs has meant I’ve met a lot of visitors to the Great Barrier Reef and been able to facilitate some truly spectacular experiences for people,” Tilly said.
“Seeing the look on someone’s face when they swam with a minke whale for the first time or got out of the water after overcoming their fear to dive with sharks; hearing the excited squeals from kids through their snorkels when they put their faces in the water and saw the reef in all its beauty; giving someone an unforgettable experience on the water and at the same time showcasing the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef and WHY it’s so special, that’s a good day at the office.”
During her time with Keppel Dive and Aroona, Tilly has been a part of several innovative efforts including the Coral Larval Project on Moore Reef, Citizens of the GBR’s ‘Great Reef Census’, GBR Legacy’s Biobank, JCU and Tropwaters Seagrass Research, and Reef Health Impact Surveys.
“Being able to, in some small way, assist the scientists and industry leaders as they make a difference to the future of the reef, has made me want to be an even bigger part of this future,” Tilly said.
“As a Master Reef Guide, I know I will be in the best possible position to better help protect and promote what the Great Barrier Reef has to offer, not just us, now, but for all of the future generations.”
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll extends congratulations to Tilly on her achievements in becoming a Master Reef Guide, thrilled to see yet another Capricorn Coast representative selected to take on this prestigious role.
“The modern-day visitor doesn’t just want to see, they want to understand and learn, and our Southern Great Barrier Reef destination continues to raise the bar in professionalism and ensuring world class representation.”
“Becoming a Master Reef Guide demands dedication and intense training with only the best selected for the role and I am delighted for Tilly and look forward to supporting her journey,” Mary said.
For more information on the Master Reef Guide program, visit https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/learn/master-reef-guides/
