Lady Musgrave Experience's Steven Pulvirenti is making the Bundaberg Region home again after securing his dream role as a Master Reef Guide.
The former local has recently graduated from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Master Reef Guide program and is taking his skills to Lady Musgrave Island to teach visitors all about its surrounding eco-system.
Master Reef Guides strive to be the world’s leading reef guides and interpreters, sharing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
As reef ambassadors they impart up-to-date scientific and management information about the reef and explain what people can do to make a difference.
“It is a total honour and a privilege to be nominated, let alone be successful for the role,” Steven said.
“I am working very closely with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which enables me further insight into the intricate eco systems that we have on the reef – how to protect them, how to interpret them and educate the public on how we need to look after this beautiful world-heritage-listed site.”
Steven said he was enjoying his new role at Lady Musgrave Island after travelling and studying over the years.
“I grew up in the Bundaberg Region as a kid and at 18 I went off and travelled the world,” he said.
“My family is still based here so it was a natural progression of coming back once I conducted my marine studies.
“I am still studying and I don't think I will ever stop, the Great Barrier Reef is too big and too interesting.”
Steven said his role allowed him to take part in many programs and activities.
“From director of marine education as well [as] a tour guide and turtle researcher,” he said.
“It is pretty busy but I love everything that happens out here.
“My work is ever-changing and no two days are the same.”
With his days spent surrounded by the turquoise blue waters of Lady Musgrave Island and the amazing marine life, Steven said he was constantly in awe.
“This part of the Great Barrier Reef is like no other section, it is basically untouched,” he said.
“Now we are coming into turtle nesting season and we are seeing an influx of the green turtles arriving.
“Summer brings those nesting turtles while winter brings the manta rays and the whales.
“Not only that, the eco-systems and the sheer magnitude of the marine life here is astounding.”
Find out how you can discover more about Lady Musgrave Island here.
