Community members “licenced to boat”

Did you know that more than 220 Aboriginal community members have completed their General Boat Licence – with the help of our Aboriginal Fisheries team?

And that this team, in partnership with Transport for NSW, has helped facilitate 18 General Boat Licence training courses for communities up and down the coast.

Mr Tim Donovan leads the Aboriginal Cultural Values Initiative for DPI Fisheries.

He said these courses are a vital first step for community members wanting to increase their skills in the maritime industry.

“The General Boat Licence course is an opportunity to build Aboriginal community skills in the marine industry. In particular, it improves accessibility to coastal waters for up-and-coming Sea Country ranger and tourism programs run through Aboriginal organisations.”

“We intend on running more of these courses with community in 2024 so keep an eye out in your local area and register your interest,” he said.

This is part of the Cultural Economic Development project working with communities to increase the number of local Aboriginal people working on Sea Country both as employees and in their own businesses.

You can find out more about this training course and more by checking out our Cultural Economic Development webpage.

The Cultural Economic Development project is a DPI Fisheries project funded via the Marine Estate Management Strategy.