See rare, behind-the-scenes footage of little miracles hatching and environmental champions at work in an uplifting video dedicated to an inspiring Sunshine Coast volunteer group.
From humble beginnings to a thriving conservation movement, this year TurtleCare Sunshine Coast will celebrate its 20 year anniversary.
What began as a small group of passionate people monitoring turtle nests on local beaches has grown into a vital citizen science conservation success story.
Season after season, dedicated and passionate volunteer citizen scientists walk together to protect hundreds of baby turtle hatchings and inspire thousands.
In honour of their legacy, and on World Sea Turtle Day, Sunshine Coast Council has released a special video celebrating 20 years of dedicated turtle care and conservation.
Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns said this inspiring short film captured the passion, perseverance and community spirit that had driven two decades of protecting one of the Sunshine Coast’s most beloved marine creatures.
“Get your tissues ready – with rare behind-the-scenes footage, heartfelt interviews and everyone’s favourite – turtle hatchlings – this video is more than a celebration,” Cr Burns said.
“It’s a thank you from Council to everyone who has helped protect turtles and their habitats.
“And it’s a tribute to the volunteers, scientists and supporters who have contributed to the ongoing survival of critically endangered loggerhead turtles here on the Sunshine Coast.”
Sunshine Coast Council’s Wildlife Conservation Team Leader and TurtleCare program lead Kate Hofmeister said it was a privilege to be involved in such a significant program.
“Thanks to the early leadership of Dr Julie O’Connor and Sue Aspland, and a pivotal partnership with the now retired Dr Col Limpus of the Queensland Government’s Turtle Conservation Project, TurtleCare was officially launched two decades ago,” Mrs Hofmeister said.
“While TurtleCare faced growing pressures such as coastal change, new people to the region, and the increase of extreme weather events, the program prevailed, and its impact has been far reaching.”
Across the years, the program has grown significantly and volunteers have relocated countless turtle nests to safer locations, ensuring the survival of thousands of hatchlings.
Amazingly there are six people who have been volunteers since the very beginning – Rhondda, Dot, Megan, Brian, Carolyn and Judith.
Since 2007 there has been scientific collaboration with the Queensland Government’s Turtle Conservation Project at Mon Repos, who have trained and authorised local volunteers to relocate turtle nests, monitor hatch success and contribute to long-term conservation data under state legislation.
TurtleCare volunteers stepped up to respond in disasters such as the recent Cyclone Alfred and during the Pacific Adventurer oil spill, inspecting and relocating hatchlings to safety.
With light pollution in the region growing faster than global averages, TurtleCare continues to work with the community to mitigate its impact on nesting turtles and hatchlings.
TurtleCare has contributed to major conservation policies, including the 2017 National Recovery Plan, 2019 National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife and the 2023 Sunshine Coast Marine Turtle Conservation Plan.
Volunteers have contributed to published scientific papers and contributed to multiple research projects, proving that local action can drive global impact.
And each summer, TurtleCare connects with 5,000–10,000 people through beach patrols, school visits and public events. The annual Clean Up for the Hatchlings, now in its eleventh year, unites hundreds to remove litter before hatchlings emerge.
Cr Burns invited the community to join the celebration by switching off their outdoor lights by 8pm during the nesting season and watching the video.
“You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel or Facebook page,” he said.
