All Posts


Survey Kubin Maza (Reef)
🌱 Family Reef Survey at JJ Rock 🌊 June 11 2026 our family explored the coral rubble high place near JJ Rock, carrying out a small reef survey together. We used aerial views and photography to capture algae, corals, sponges, seagrasses, and seaweeds — and it opened our eyes to the gaps in marine life around this area. Seeing these changes up close reminded us how much potential there is for family-led environmental work. Even simple actions can help native marine species ret
lorettapeleglanvil
5 days ago1 min read


Beginners Drone Operations Training Takes Flight at Boigu Camp, Kubin
Earlier this month, Totalai Land & Sea delivered a dynamic three‑day Beginners Drone Operations Training program at Boigu Camp in Kubin, Moa Island—introducing students to the fast‑growing world of drone technology and its powerful role in community-led projects across Zenadth Kes. Held across three sessions from 7–11 August 2026, the program formed part of the Digital Skills & Technology Pathways initiative, designed to build confidence, capability, and future-ready skills f
lorettapeleglanvil
Aug 132 min read
lorettapeleglanvil
Aug 70 min read


🌺 Celebrating Ms Loretta Pele Glanville — Queensland Training Awards Finalist
Totalai Land & Sea Indigenous Corporation proudly celebrates the achievements of our Founder and Director, Ms Loretta Pele Glanville, who was honoured as one of three finalists at the 26th Anniversary Queensland Training Awards – Tropical North Queensland Regional Final on 5 August 2026. Loretta was recognised in the prestigious Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Rio Tinto Award, acknowledging outstanding excellence in Vocational Education and Training
lorettapeleglanvil
Aug 62 min read


First Marine Habitat Conservation and Restoration Training on Mer Island.
From 23 June to 5 July, Mer (Murray Island) hosted its first-ever Marine Habitat Conservation and Restoration Training Program — an important milestone for community-led conservation in the Torres Strait. Funded by Qantas Regional Grants and the NAB Foundation, the program brought local participants together to build practical skills in marine biodiversity, marine surveying, geo-mapping, drone operations, and media training. The training was led on Country by Mer-based organi
lorettapeleglanvil
Jul 221 min read


Building a Future Together on Mua Island: Celebrating Community and Culture
Gathering on Country possesses a distinctive power, linking us to the land, sea, and the narratives of our ancestors. On February 26 and 27, 2026, the St Paul's community on Mua Island united for a pivotal moment that will influence their future. This was more than a meeting; it was a celebration of culture, community, and a shared vision for future generations. The event marked a crucial advancement for Project CRAFT and Project CODE-MOANAH, transforming their vision into re
lorettapeleglanvil
Mar 23 min read


Governance Structure of Mangroves
Mangrove growth patterns also carry deep cultural meaning, reflecting the Islander kinship and governance structures that guide community life. In many Torres Strait communities, the way mangroves organize themselves across the shoreline is seen as a mirror of traditional leadership roles. At the seaward edge, the tall, stilt-rooted “male” mangroves stand like warriors—frontline protectors absorbing the force of tides, winds, and waves. Behind them grow the “female” mangroves
lorettapeleglanvil
Jan 231 min read


Guardians of Land and Sea: The Totemic System and Sustainable Stewardship of the Torres Strait Islanders
In the heart of the Torres Strait, the Northern Blue Water country of Australia, exists a sacred cultural tradition that offers one of the most profound models of ancient governance and sustainable living: the Totemic system of the Torres Strait Islanders. Far beyond being a symbolic heritage, this system represents a living environmental philosophy — one that interweaves identity, nature, and community through generations of mindful stewardship. For the Torres Strait Islande
lorettapeleglanvil
Jan 233 min read


Bleaching' Monoprint on BFK Rives paper
In 2022, I created this Mono print showcased at the Northside Art Exhibition in Cairns. It reflects the significance of coral in our island reef ecosystem. Over the years, coral bleaching, a result of water temperature changes due to global warming, has impacted our reefs. Areas like Mua have felt this impact, transitioning from vibrant colors to a stark white. However, amidst this change, I witness the resilience of nature as the bleached coral areas naturally regenerate, fo
lorettapeleglanvil
Jan 231 min read


Safeguarding Seasonal Knowledge: Culture, Continuity, and Training at Totalai Mua Island
For time immemorial, the Zenadh Kes (Torres Strait) Islanders of the northern tip of Australia have lived as deeply seasonal people, guided by the rhythms of the land, sea, sky, and winds. Life in Zenadh Kes has always been shaped by an intimate understanding of seasonal cycles, where constellations, trade winds, ocean currents, and ecological signs work together as a living calendar. Islanders read the environment as a system of interconnected indicators. The flowering of pl
lorettapeleglanvil
Jan 232 min read


Exploring the Impact of the Sarbie Island Coral Nursery Pilot Project by Totalai Land & Sea Conservation
Coral reefs face unprecedented threats worldwide, with climate change, pollution, and overfishing pushing many ecosystems to the brink. In response, conservation groups are turning to innovative restoration methods to protect these vital marine habitats. One such effort is the Sarbie Island Coral Nursery Pilot Project, a collaborative initiative led by Totalai Land & Sea Conservation in partnership with 3 Sisters. This project aims to restore damaged coral reefs around Sarbie
lorettapeleglanvil
Jan 234 min read


