Guraa Hackathon: Youth Lead the Charge for Manning River Turtle Conservation

In a powerful display of youth-led conservation, Taree Universities Campus proudly sponsored the inaugural Guraa (Manning River turtle) Hackathon, a district-wide event that brought together senior students from five local schools to tackle one of the region's most pressing environmental challenges.

Held December 5th at MidCoast Council, the one-day event was envisioned by Uncle Will Paulson, a local Aboriginal elder and expert, with the goal of connecting young people with Country and inspiring innovative solutions for the protection of the unique Manning River helmeted turtle.

A Collaborative Effort for Country

More than 30 students from MidCoast Christian College, Chatham High, St Clare's, Wingham High, and Gloucester High gathered to address a critical question: How can we help the Manning River turtles survive the threats they face across the catchment?

Working alongside Uncle Will Paulson and a team of expert mentors, the students developed creative, thoughtful ideas that demonstrated a deep respect for Country, culture, and conservation. The event built on the momentum of last year's successful Koala Hackathon, reinforcing a growing tradition of youth engagement in local biodiversity issues.

 

Protecting a Unique Species

The focus of the hackathon was the Manning River helmeted turtle (Myuchelys purvisi), a remarkable creature found naturally nowhere else on Earth. Confined to the middle and upper reaches of the Manning River system, this unique species faces an uncertain future due to habitat degradation, predation by native and introduced animals, and competition from non-native turtle species.

The students' projects aimed to raise awareness and propose practical strategies to mitigate these threats, highlighting the urgent need for concerted conservation efforts to protect this irreplaceable part of the Mid Coast's natural heritage.

While Gloucester High School was crowned the winning team, the spirit of the day was one of collective achievement.

 

Community Partnership

The success of the Guraa Hackathon was made possible through a strong partnership between local organisations. TUC was honoured to sponsor the event, joining forces with:

  • Hunter Local Land Services (Major Partner)

  • MidCoast Council

  • Aussie Ark

  • NSW Department of Education

  • MidCoast2Tops Landcare Connection

  • Manning River Turtle Group

  • Charles Sturt University

  • UNE Science & Environment

  • Western Sydney University

These collaborations underscore the region's commitment to engaging the next generation in the stewardship of its unique environment.

Looking Ahead

The Guraa Hackathon serves as a testament to the potential of regional youth to drive meaningful change. By connecting students with elders, scientists, and community leaders, the event has planted seeds for a more sustainable and biodiverse future for the Manning River.

TUC looks forward to continuing its support for initiatives that empower young people to protect the natural world around them.

Meredith Paige