Busselton Jetty takes marine education Australia-wide through virtual excursion program

Busselton Jetty is aiming to take marine education Australia-wide, with its new virtual program, which allows students to livestream directly to the Underwater Observatory from their classrooms. This program will provide a low-cost excursion option for schools across Australia and around the world and is possible through funding from Rio Tinto and the Busselton Jetty Environment Foundation. Operations Manager Amy Gornall, said the program would make marine conservation a lot more accessible to students. “At Busselton Jetty Inc. we are passionate about marine education, this program will allow us to share the wonders of the ocean further than we ever have before,” she said. “In doing so, we hope to inspire people to make changes in their daily lives that help to preserve and protect the oceans for future generations. Lots of small changes together can make a huge difference.” The virtual program has been designed for students from early primary through to year 10 and the topics include marine biodiversity found within a vertical reef and the human impact on marine environments. The livestream presentations include a guided tour through the Underwater Observatory, followed by an interactive period where students can ask questions The experience is accompanied by an ACARA-aligned teacher resource pack, with additional marine information and activities provided for teachers and students to continue their learning experience. Classrooms will also receive a follow-up video call from the Busselton Jetty Education Team to share what they have learned and to discuss any additional marine questions. Busselton Jetty Inc. chief executive, Lisa Shreeve said the Jetty welcomed thousands of international tourists every year, but the program is a great way to show the Jetty and Underwater Observatory to people all around the world who may not be able to travel. “This is one of the most exciting programs we have launched and we are so lucky to have passionate staff who have driven this project and the support of Rio Tinto, to beam our unique marine life 8m underwater and our Jetty history around the globe,” she said. Busselton Jetty launched the program today, with a livestream to Tom Price Primary School. The first 12 months of the program will focus on schools within Australia and people will be available to book from term one in 2024.