Julie Spencer

Global Partner: Australia

… after studying zoology at James Cook University, Julie commenced her career at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Reef Authority), at its education centre, the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium. For over 20 years, Julie managed the development and operational delivery of the aquarium’s visitor, education and virtual outreach programs designed to engage students, teachers, and the community, locally, nationally, and internationally, to learn about the Reef. Additionally, she coordinated the aquarium’s volunteer program and contributed to the design and development of exhibitions. Recently promoted to Reef Education Manager, Julie now manages the Reef Guardian schools program in addition to virtual learning experiences and edu-tourism programs. Her current focus is on increasing the use of the Reef Authority’s teaching and learning resources and expanding the reach of reef education initiatives to global audiences. Julie is passionate about the Great Barrier Reef and has a personal interest in the role of educational and cultural organizations in raising awareness in the community about conservation issues. She has been a global partner of Project Dragonfly since the first Australia Great Barrier Reef program in 2010 and facilitates some of the learning activities. Interacting with the program participants is a highlight for Julie each year.