Help us support the communities supporting us

We’re a group of 15 marine/environmental science university students from Southern Cross University, embarking on a unique academic and cultural exchange with the New Colombo Plan to West Papua in Eastern Indonesia - an ecosystem that supports local livelihoods, marine biodiversity, and cultural traditions. During our time in West Papua, we will be hosted by conservation and sustainability NGO’s and local students. We aim to raise funds to gift to our hosts in gratitude for welcoming us so openly, sharing their language, culture, and the stunning places they call home. The funds will help support the meaningful conservation and community efforts they carry forward, often against great challenges.

During this experience, we will be:

Contributing to seagrass surveys on Aborek Island

Seagrass meadows and mangroves are a vital ecosystem that provides habitat for fish, protects the shoreline and keeps the reef healthy. For the local community, a healthy reef system is the underpinning of cultural practices around fishing, food, and navigation. By helping document the health of these meadows, we can provide a baseline for conservation that supports both nature and the people who call Arborek home.

Participating in rubbish removal and mangrove replanting in Ambon Bay

Learning about the challenges of protecting globally valuable natural resources in the Coral Triangle region, a global hot spot of coral reef biodiversity.

The NGO’s we will be working with are the "Papua Landscape Foundation" in Sorong and the "Green Moluccas" in Ambon. These organisations are led by local communities and focused on improving river and catchment health.

Why We’re Fundraising

While our travel and learning are covered, we want to give back. A small contribution in AUD can go a long way in these communities. With your help, we aim to:

Support our hosts: Provide donations to the NGOs to show our support and solidarity in the work they carry out in their communities

Sponsor local students: Support Indonesian students to join us in exploring nearby islands that are often out of reach due to travel costs, while fostering shared learning and meaningful connections.

Amplify impact: Even modest funds can support the work of local NGOs Green Moluccas and the Papua Landscape Foundation, helping conserve mangroves, protect biodiversity, and empower communities through sustainable practices and education

Our Goal

We’re hoping to raise $1000 AUD minimum. Every dollar will be transparently allocated to community support and student sponsorship. We’re excited to share updates, stories, and photos along the way so you can see the impact of your generosity.

How You Can Help

Donate: Any contribution helps. Just $1 AUD can plant a mangrove seedling, while $20 AUD can sponsor an Indonesian student to join us on a day trip to nearby islands.

Share: Spread the word! Share our campaign with your networks, on your socials and in your group chats to help us show gratitude and give back to our generous hosts.

We are most grateful and excited for the wonderful opportunity to connect with and learn from our Eastern Indonesian and West Papuan neighbours, facilitated by our esteemed environmental and marine lecturer Professor Amanda Reichelt-Brushett. This trip is more than just an academic opportunity; it’s a chance to build bridges, learn from one another, and contribute meaningfully to communities that are welcoming us with open arms. Thank you for being a part of that journey.