OUR STORY
"We see a world where all Australian children understand the ocean and can recognise the positive impact they can have now, and in the future"
Sally Smith
Founder, Ocean Thinkers
Launching in 2024, Ocean Thinkers is the brain child of a Victorian coastal community that recognised the need to better connect children with their sea country and foster a hopeful future.
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There is no denying climate change is here, and the awareness of it, is having significant impacts on the mental wellbeing of Australians, especially children and young people.
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Young Australians are seeing more extreme weather events than any other generation. In 2022, 90% of Australian children had witnessed at least 1 natural disaster in the past 3 years.
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Despite more than 85% of Australians living within 50km of the coast and being a country surrounded by sea and recognised globally as a hotspot for marine biodiversity, Australia is lagging behind the Ocean Literacy movement. Understanding our sea country remains overlooked.
At Ocean Thinkers, we are ready to change these statistics. We have created a social structures that not only inspires children to learn more about the ocean but also places them at the very heart of driving change. We are here to empower children to grow up respecting the ocean and land, and joining forces to care for it. Our children are the leaders of tomorrow, the time to inspire and educate is now. ​​
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Our Principles
01
Small But Mighty
Approach the uncertainty with optimism and belief, nurturing a child's positive and powerful mind.
03
Tradition And Connection
Informed by tradition, learning from each other and thinking together, to collectively love our sea country and the children ready to care for it.
02
Care And Wellbeing
Creating a supportive community for children to be part of the solution.​
04
Collaborative and Creative
Creating a collective impact by working together to make a difference and viewing the world as an artistic canvas