Julie grew up in the picturesque Yarra Valley, just outside Melbourne. When the time came for her to pursue her passion for science, she opted for a university that wouldn't confine her to a bustling metropolis. Drawn by the tropical allure of James Cook University's Townsville campus, she embarked on the long drive north, ready to start a new chapter.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Zoology in 1998, Julie began her career journey as a curatorial volunteer at the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, the National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority). Shortly after, she accepted a full-time role as a ticket seller at the Aquarium's front desk. Julie fondly describes this as her first real job out of uni.
Her dedication and passion led to a promotion just a year later, when she became the Manager of Interpretation and Volunteers, marking the beginning of her extensive and varied career with the Reef Authority.
Working with staff, volunteers and the public at the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium was dynamic and highly operational. Julie managed various programs to engage students, teachers, and the wider community in learning about the Great Barrier Reef. These included daily talks and tours, school group visits, virtual outreach, and Edu Tourism activities. She also managed the volunteer program and contributed to the development of exhibitions. For a short period, Julie also managed the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Centre.
Julie’s commitment extended to supporting the Aquarium’s community and member events where she coordinated turtle releases, and willingly donned various costumes to MC special events, embodying characters such as a jellyfish, clownfish, mermaid, witch, and pirate.
In her current role as Reef Education Manager, Julie now oversees the Reef Guardian Schools program, Virtual Learning Experiences and Edu Tourism programs. Her focus is on expanding the reach of reef education initiatives to a global audience and increasing the use of the Reef Authority’s teaching and learning resources.
Julie is passionate about the Great Barrier Reef and takes immense pride in developing and delivering educational programs and resources. She enjoys delivering presentations to students and audiences of all ages and stages of learning and is well known for including interpretive dance into her programs when teaching about her favourite marine creatures like sea turtles, fish and sea cucumbers.
Julie's journey with the Reef Authority over the last 25+ years showcases her dedication to marine education and conservation, and her work continues to inspire and educate people around the world about the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
