Employer: Central Regional TAFE 

Maryke is passionate about ensuring students have the same opportunities to receive quality training and assessment, no matter where they live. A trainer in Conservation and Land Management, Horticulture and Aboriginal Ranger Programs at Central Regional TAFE, Maryke delivers the full range of qualifications from Certificate I to Diploma, utilising live work projects, some of which involve working at remote Aboriginal Communities throughout the Mid-West and Gascoyne.

Maryke manages several key conservation projects that she incorporates into her training with industry partners. These include projects based at the Houtman Abrolhos islands involving industry stakeholders such Fisheries WA, the Western Rock Lobster fishing community, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions Parks and Wildlife (DCA), Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) and WA Conservation Council.

Her students from Certificate II to Diploma level are involved in all aspects of these projects and gain knowledge of current industry best practice by working alongside specialists in the workplace on high-profile natural resource management projects such as sea bird breeding, eradicating pest flora and fauna, seed collection, propagation, revegetating native flora, and mangrove revegetation.

Maryke uses various methods to connect students from remote locations to live class sessions with students in Geraldton, and recognises that classroom-based training is not for all, delivering the Aboriginal Ranger training programs entirely on country. With more than 20 years of experience in managing conservation projects, Maryke is committed to education for all to conserve our environment for the future.