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In early 2016, record ocean temperatures led to intense and widespread coral bleaching in the northern third of the Great Barrier Reef. In early 2017, it happened again, this time in the central third of the Great Barrier Reef. The unprecedented back-to-back mass coral bleaching events was then compounded in March 2017 by Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

In May 2017, the Reef Authority convened a Reef Summit where it was concluded that the frequency and severity of disturbances required a different approach to management. A key outcome was to permit intervention in the natural process of recovery.

Resilient Reefs, then known as Reef Restoration Foundation, incorporated on 11 July 2017 and secured the first permit on 13 October 2017. We installed the first ocean-based multi-species coral nursery on the Great Barrier Reef at Fitzroy Island on 7 December 2017.

“Rob has over 40 years tourism experience as the CEO for destination marketing organisations. Rob’s extensive network ensures we don’t miss opportunities. He’s also an expert in corporate governance and the strategic function of boards.”

Rob GiasonChair

“Elmarie has a background in organisational psychology and commerce. She specialises in business diagnostics, growth and strategic thinking, which keeps the board functioning at a very high level. Elmarie continues to foster excellence amongst our team and all that we do.”

Elmarie Gebler

“Leanne Kemp, an accomplished entrepreneur, founder of Everledger and former Queensland Chief Entrepreneur, has taken on appointed roles & collaborations with the World Economic Forum, United Nations, and OECD on sustainability and technology initiatives. Now, as a non-executive director of the Resilient Reefs Foundation, she advances coral reef restoration and conservation.”

Leanne Kemp

“Katie is our science specialist and has forged strong alliances across multiple active reef conservation initiatives. Katie brings the broader reef action perspective to our boardroom and ensures that decision making stands up to scientific rigour.”

Dr. Katie Chartrand

“Michael has a corporate advisory background and provides clients with tailored business advice. He is our money man and ensures we are heading in the right direction from a financial perspective.”

Michael WilsonTreasurer

“Bronwyn Voyce, founder of Civic Futures Lab, is an authentic champion for climate-impacted and underrepresented communities. Her leadership in climate strategy, circular economy and nature-positive solutions and global engagement will be pivotal to RRF’s mission of safeguarding this globally significant ecosystem.”

Bronwyn Voyce

“Ryan brings about 25 years involvement with coral reefs across research, conservation, and management; and reef related business and industry. His broad experience, extensive network and pragmatic approach guides tactical implementation of our strategic plan on behalf of our Board.”

Ryan DonnellyChief Executive Officer

“Cameron grew up in various parts of southeast Asia and lived in the Pacific Islands. For the past 25 years he has grown corals in mariculture and shore-based facilities for the international Marine Aquarium Trade. He also secured Australia’s first ever coral mariculture permit in 2001. Cameron’s extensive knowledge and experience are a great asset to building a professional operation.”

Cameron BeeField Program Leader

“Cedric comes to us all the way from Namibia in southwest Africa. Cedric plays the vital role of coordinating the operation logistics, including diving and boating operations and compliance. A dive instructor and coxswains, Cedric’s pragmatic and level-headed approach ensures our operation is safe and enjoyable for all. When he isn’t in the field with us, he’s on call for emergencies with QLD Fire & Emergency Services.”

Cedric KirchnerOperations Coordinator

We’re supported locally by partners that provide us with passage to the sites, office accommodation, and a commitment to our cause.

Fitzroy Island Resort

Sunlover Reef Cruises

Seastar Cruises

Reef Experience

Pacific Hotel

These businesses have sponsored or donated more than $1,000.00. More than half of them have sponsored or donated much, much more!
And there are thousands of individual contributors from communities all over the world, many of whom contribute monthly. For privacy, we don’t identify them here.

NAB Foundation

ANL Container Line

CMA CGM

Tropic Skincare

Powershop

Wildlife Conservation Network

Gambling Community Benefit Fund

White Whale Coffee Roasters

Octopus Group

Colgate Palmolive

Oppo

Brodware

Cairns RSL

Karmagawa Foundation

Oris

Team Elite

10×10 Philanthropy

DP World

AMPTO

JTB Australia

Davines Hairjamm

Ninja Shark

Natures Farmer Sea

Fun Over Fifty

Ochre Nation

Brite Foundation

ERM Foundation

Vita Foundation

Dutchies Travel

Black Milk Clothing

Holzkern

Small World Journeys

Li Tech Solutions

IGARSS 2025

Handprint Tech

Jumelle

Henson Foundation

Marshall Wallace

CSL Australia

EverZinc Group

Leif Products

Love U Soap

Access Foundation

World Timber Conference

Reef Hotel Casino

EdgeROV

APS Foundation

Unwritten Hair

The Scenic Route

Krakking Korals

Ivory Ella

Community Underwriting

Gem Pearl

Lena Group

North Queensland Wildlife Trust

The Lekker Company

Energex

Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Hudstone Home

Jessups

Novotel

Tikki Tokki

NFT Pets

Amway

Ozean

10% for the Oceans

Australian Tourism Export Council

Rave for the Reef

Lush Manufacturing

Tropic Group

Dive Tec

Reef Distillers

Cocco Promotion

Cirqle Group

Authentica

Selfless Orchestra

Compass Rose Crew

Normanhurst Boys High

Faithful the Brand

Studio Molasses

Edzoocation

North Marine

Stewart Christie
Possible People

Rob Giason
RGG Insights

Dr Adam Smith
Reef Ecologic

Elmarie Gebler
Fortis One

Gary McKanna
Sole trader