Celebrating the Reefs next generation

3rd April, 2026

Since 2022, Cotton On Foundation has partnered with Citizens of the Reef and the Reef Cooperative to help protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most treasured natural ecosystems. A key part of this work is supporting First Nations young people through the Reef Intervention Training Program.

This March, nine First Nations young people in Far North Queensland graduated from the nationally accredited reef and workplace training program; gaining hands-on experience caring for the Great Barrier Reef and building pathways into future careers.

Delivered through the Reef Cooperative with support from the Cotton On Foundation, the program combined the Reef Intervention Training Program (RITP) with a Certificate I in Workplace Skills. Participants developed practical, job-ready skills guided by scientists and Traditional Owner knowledge, while working directly on reef monitoring and restoration.

Real impact on the reef

Graduates contributed to meaningful reef recovery:

• 250 Reef Stars constructed
• 3,750 coral fragments attached
• 17 million coral larvae released during spawning events

They also supported reef health monitoring through programs such as the Great Reef Census and Eye on the Reef.

This program is one way Cotton On Foundation supports work across land and sea.

By investing in communities and environments, we create lasting impact. Because caring for nature, is In Our Nature.