EcoMarines Ambassadors Shine at Global Link 2026
What an incredible few days of learning, connection and inspiration at Global Link Australia 2026!
Global Link Australia is an international youth forum where students from around the world present research on environmental and social challenges, engage in cultural exchange, and collaborate on real-world sustainability solutions.
We were incredibly proud to see our EcoMarines schools take to the world stage, sharing the amazing sustainability and environmental work happening in their own schools and communities alongside students from across the globe.
Our valued EcoMarines partner, Tangalooma Island Resort, provided the perfect setting for this unique international event. Located on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), the resort became a true living classroom, giving students the opportunity to experience marine environments, native wildlife, bushland and Quandamooka culture alongside the competition.
This year, 32 teams participated across the Junior and Senior competitions, with students representing Australia, Japan, Mainland China, Taiwan, Germany, Norway, Italy, Brazil, Switzerland and Korea.
And our EcoMarines schools did us proud!
🌱 Turning local action into global inspiration
Our schools demonstrated the incredible breadth of sustainability work already happening in EcoMarines communities.
Kurwongbah State School took out 2nd place in the Junior competition with From Containers to Conservation: The Bush Gully Project. Their project showcased how collecting more than 85,000 cans and bottles through Containers for Change helped fund the restoration of their school’s Bush Gully – turning recycling into real environmental and community impact.
Coolabunia State School shared their work using a compost worm farm to transform food waste from classrooms and lunch areas into nutrient-rich fertiliser for their school gardens.
Jamboree Heights State School explored the importance of Australia’s native bees, combining research, student education, bee hotels, pollinator gardens and community engagement to help protect these essential pollinators.
And Brighton State School explored how school gardens can support both environmental sustainability and student wellbeing, while also addressing biodiversity and food waste.
In the Senior Competition, A.B. Paterson College took out the Students’ Choice Award with their fabulous presentation entitled From Fabric to Impact: A School-Wide Initiative Transforming Textile Waste into Animal Welfare and Community.
These are just a few examples of the incredible projects presented. From waste reduction and recycling to biodiversity, food rescue, water conservation and protecting our oceans, the students demonstrated that meaningful environmental action can start with simple ideas in our own schools and communities.
🌏 Learning goes beyond the classroom
Global Link was about more than presenting a project and competing for an award. It was an opportunity for students to meet young people from different countries, exchange ideas, experience different cultures and see how sustainability challenges are being addressed around the world.
Thanks to the wonderful team at Tangalooma, students also had the opportunity to learn through experiences including coastal activities, wildlife encounters, tree planting, Bush Tucker and adventure activities – bringing sustainability and environmental learning to life in an incredibly special setting.
One of the most memorable moments was celebrating Uncle Bob’s 97th birthday, bringing together students and teachers to celebrate a much-loved Quandamooka Elder. We were especially proud when one of our EcoMarines teachers (and talented artist) presented Uncle Bob with a beautiful painting she had created of the view back to the sandhills of Mulgumpin from across the water.
And, because learning should always include a little fun, the event finished with a karaoke session, bringing students and teachers from around the world together to sing, laugh and celebrate! 🎤😂
💚 We couldn’t be prouder
Seeing EcoMarines students confidently share their ideas, research and real-world projects on an international stage was a wonderful reminder of the impact our schools are already making.
Congratulations to every EcoMarines school that participated – you represented our program brilliantly, and we couldn’t be prouder of you.
A huge thank you to our valued partners at Tangalooma Island Resort for creating such a memorable experience and providing an extraordinary setting for young people to connect, learn and share their passion for sustainability.
🌿 Global Link Australia 2027
The dates for Global Link Australia 2027 are already locked in, with more information coming soon.
For EcoMarines schools, Global Link is a fantastic opportunity to take the sustainability work you are already doing in your school or community and share it with students from around the world.
Save the Date for Next Year!
Dates for next year’s event are already locked in! Keep an eye on your inbox – we will be sharing more details soon. It is the perfect opportunity for your EcoMarines school to step up and showcase the incredible environmental work you are already doing in your local communities.
Can’t wait? You can reach out directly to the Tangalooma Education team at [email protected] for more information, and to reserve your spot for Global Link 2027.