Case Study:
Workshops with Traditional Owners and scientists about dugong conservation
The Situation
Scientists at James Cook University wanted to build genuine, two‑way relationships with Traditional Owners across the Great Barrier Reef, to share knowledge about dugongs and understand Traditional Owner priorities for dugong conservation and management. The goal was to foster future long-term collaborations between Traditional Owner groups and scientists, to grow shared knowledge of dugongs across the Great Barrier Reef.
With around 30 Traditional Owner groups across a large area, the project required a culturally safe, flexible approach that respected each group’s time, knowledge and ways of working.
The approach
Three regional workshops were held in the northern, central and southern regions of the Great Barrier Reef. As the independent facilitator, Renée contacted all Traditional Owner groups to develop the agenda and ensure the workshops reflected their priorities. This involved deep listening, respectful conversations, and putting Traditional Owner voices at the centre of the planning process.
Renée also drew on her existing relationships with Traditional Owner groups to ensure that no groups were unintentionally missed, and the workshops reflected the full diversity of groups across the region.
Each workshop was designed with flexibility to accommodate regional differences, emerging discussion topics, and the level of information groups wished to share. Practical hands-on activities such as dugong skin sampling and seagrass identification complemented the discussions.
During the workshops, Renée guided conversations that brought together western scientific knowledge and Traditional Owner knowledge. Discussions were thoughtful, sometimes passionate, and grounded in people’s deep connection to Sea Country. Renée created a culturally safe space where differing views could be explored respectfully and where everyone felt heard.
The Result
All three workshops were well attended, including Traditional Owner groups who had not previously engaged with JCU. The conversations were positive and productive, resulting in clear next steps and a strong foundation for long‑term collaboration.
The JCU team later received the 2025 JCU Excellence Award for Community Engagement, with Traditional Owner partners directly supporting their nomination.
Renée received positive feedback from both Traditional Owners and the JCU team for her role in the project:
“Renée’s facilitation of the Dugong Connections Regional Workshop was exceptional. From the outset, she created a genuinely collaborative and culturally safe space, allowing participants to openly share backgrounds, goals and perspectives. Her thoughtful guidance supported meaningful dialogue between researchers, rangers and Traditional Owners, ensuring First Nations voices were centred throughout the process.
Renée skilfully guided complex discussions around dugong ecology, local datasets, and conservation priorities in a way that was accessible, relevant and grounded in real-world Sea Country management. The workshop was well-paced, inclusive and practical, with hands-on components and field-based learning that translated directly into actionable outcomes.
Renée’s ability to hold space, listen deeply, and draw together diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous knowledge and scientific practice, resulted in rich conversations, shared learning, and a clear pathway for ongoing collaboration. Renée’s facilitation and evaluative insight significantly enriched the workshop experience and left participants feeling heard, respected, and motivated to carry the work forward.”
– Natalie Friday, Ranger Coordinator – Minggamingga Ranger Program, Palm Island
“Thank you Renée for facilitating our three Dugong Connections workshops with Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef. You played a key role in this project and we are so grateful for your planning, engagement, and facilitating magic. Your contribution was huge. Thank you again!”
– Dr Mélanie Hamel, Research Officer, TropWATER, James Cook University
Looking for a facilitator that builds respect and collaboration in the room?
Let’s chat about your needs.