6 March 2008 

The Whitsunday region can now officially claim to have the youngest Reef Guardians in the state, with 150 tiny tots aged from 6 weeks to 6 years taking up the challenge to be guardians of the reef in their own special way.

Reef Guardian Schools Programme Coordinator, Ms Megan Sperring, said that 121 Childcare in Airlie Beach is the first Reef Guardian Childcare Centre.

“We were really surprised when the 121 Childcare Centre approached us about being a Reef Guardian, but after seeing what the centre has planned for the children in helping them to appreciate and learn about the plants and animals of the Great Barrier Reef we could see that it was a fantastic idea,” Ms Sperring said.

“While these children are a little younger that our usual Reef Guardian School participants, they are just as enthusiastic about being part of the program.”

“It is wonderful that they will not only learn to connect with their local environment, but will be able to share what they learn with their parents, their brothers and sisters and the members of their community to protect the future of the Reef.”

121 Childcare Director, Ms Jodie Travers, said that children felt a particular connection to the animals that live on the Reef and would fully immerse themselves in the program.

“Our children are passionate and excited about everything they do and while they may not yet grasp complex concepts, they are very attached to animals and want to help care for them.

“Living in the Whitsunday region and being surrounded by the wonderful sea and National Parks, we believe it is important to educate children from a young age about how they can look after their environment.

The 121 Childcare Centre intends to implement sustainable activities in its daily routine and talk to children about things that they can do as part of their everyday lives to help protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The GBRMPA will formally welcome 121 Childcare to the programme with a Reef Guardian School sign and presentation at 9:00 am at 121 Childcare in Airlie Beach.