“The partners involved in the Hedland Community Volunteer Turtle Monitoring Program are humbled and honoured by the recognition received as a part of the awarding of the 2019 WA Landcare Australian Government Partnerships Award. For the Care For Hedland Environmental Association, BHP, Department Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions and Town of Port Hedland this is a partnership that has spanned over 13 years and has contributed a significant amount of data that has informed the management of the residential nesting areas of the these critical marine turtle species. It is often thought in our local community, that these Flatback turtles would not be still nesting locally, if it were not for the efforts of this partnership. It is tremendous that this partnership has received this recognition.” – Care For Hedland Environmental Association Chairperson Kelly Howlett

Hedland Community Volunteer Turtle Monitoring Program (Program) is a partnership that largely came together in 2006 and involves Care For Hedland Environmental Association Inc (Association), the Town of Port Hedland (local government), Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (State government) and BHP (industry).

Prior to 2004, there was no monitoring or formalised protection of the turtles that nested on Cemetery and Pretty Pool Beaches. This partnership has raised awareness about Flatback turtles, encouraged and involved hundreds of volunteers to become involved in their protection, enabled thousands of people to see them nest and hatchlings emerge, for widespread understanding of the threats to them not only amoungst the local Hedland community, industry/business, tourists but additionally to the wider Western Australia community. Importantly it has also increased significantly the State’s knowledge on this data deficient species through its community science Program.

The successful 13 year partnership, has seen the Hedland community, state & local government as well as industry, work together to significantly increase knowledge, and enhance community participation in the conservation of Flatback turtles. Kelly Howlettm, Chairperson of the Care For Hedland Environmental Association has been instrumental in the work achieved by the partnership. It is commonly thought in the Port Hedland community that there would be no Flatback turtles still nesting today if it were not for Kelly Howlett’s efforts, intervention, continued ongoing monitoring, data collection and communication of findings.