The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) hosted a unique two day gathering of regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner women on Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) from 27-29 August 2012.

The gathering provided an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to express themselves as owners of their sea country about their cultural responsibilities, while also broadening community and management perspectives.

The event aimed to generate a better understanding of GBRMPA's Indigenous Partnerships, raise awareness about Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner women and their traditional, contemporary and future role in sea country management, their sea country connections, societies and culture. It built on positive sea country partnerships, created a blend of new relationships, opportunities for involvement through community to community exchanges and knowledge sharing.

GBRMPA invited Saltwater Women from across the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait to broaden the perspectives about the Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner landscape.

The Saltwater Women's Gathering was funded through the Australian Government's Caring for our Country Reef Rescue Land and Sea Country Indigenous Partnerships Program.