We have established a new social enterprise on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands – Running Wild Outdoors offers inclusive ecotourism and nature-based experiences, such as native flora and wildlife walking and kayaking tours.

Two cohorts, each of six people with disabilities from across the four islands, were recruited for a paid, 20-week part-time cadetship to design and pilot these experiences in 2021 and 2022. Now that we’re up and running, our next rounds of cadets will help grow this social enterprise, whilst learning on the job in a supportive environment.

Alongside this, cadets will work on conservation projects around the islands learning about, and raising awareness of, our precious natural environment. These included:

  • Installing & maintaining Ocean Watch fishing tackle waste collection bins
  • Working with Tangaroa Blue, to enter the marine debris collected into the Australian Marine Debris Initiative database
  • Learning about our local native plant species in our propagation nursery

Cadets gain essential work-readiness skills, as well as statements of attainment for introductory conservation and tourism modules that will count towards future study, and prepare them for future employment.

A key tenet of the program is the cadet’s opportunity to interact with potential local employers, as well as the wider community on projects, all the time challenging perceived barriers to employment with actions not words.

To find out more, read the information pack below. APPLICATIONS FOR THE CURRENT ROUND HAVE NOW CLOSED. Cadets start work 31 January 2023, so follow us on Facebook to see the work they are doing out in the community. The next round of Cadets are due to start work July 2023, so if you’re keen to find out more email admin@runningwild.org.au or phone 0473 435 086.

This program is proudly funded and supported by the Australian Government, as part of the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building, Economic Participation Grant Program.