Recently, Woppaburra Rangers undertook an immersive Savannah Guide training course on Great Keppel Island (Woppa), completing three days of on-Country, experiential tour guide development delivered by the Indigenous-led Savannah Guides program. This training enhances local capability to deliver culturally rich, authentic visitor experiences across the Capricorn Coast and Southern Great Barrier Reef region.
Participants in the training included:
- Tshinta Barney – Woppaburra Ranger
- Michell Kapteyn – Indigenous Savannah Guide Trainer
- Uncle Sonny Van Issum – Woppaburra Elder
- Uwan Rogers-Smith – Woppaburra Ranger
- Ameron Cleland – Woppaburra Ranger
Over three days on Country, the group explored connections between cultural heritage, ecology and visitor engagement, strengthened interpretive guiding skills, and deepened their confidence in delivering stories that honour Country, culture and custodianship.
Uncle Sonny Van Issum, sharing his reflections on the experience said, “This training was about sharing and interpreting our culture with visitors. It gave us the opportunity to reconnect with our stories, strengthen our voice, and walk alongside others in a way that truly honours who we are and where we come from. We are all proud of what we’re building together.”
The Savannah Guides program supports Indigenous tourism professionals to deliver world-class cultural experiences rooted in Country and community. This training helps further position the Capricorn Coast as a destination where visitors can engage with authentic First Nations perspectives, guided by local custodians.
Mary Carroll, CEO of Capricorn Enterprise added, “We’re thrilled to see Woppaburra Rangers expand their leadership in cultural guiding for our visitors to Great Keppel Island.”
“This training fosters strong, confident voices who can share deep stories of Country with visitors — experiences that enrich the visitor journey while uplifting culture and community.”
The completion of the Savannah Guide course marks a meaningful step toward building a high-quality cultural tourism offering on the Capricorn Coast and supports broader regional goals for sustainable, authentic First Nations tourism.
