Giving Back to the Whitsundays: Our Team’s Work with Eco Barge Clean Seas

Eco Barge Reef Club Up

How Our Guest Services Manager Helps Keep the Whitsundays Beautiful

When working for at Hotel Group, caring for guests comes naturally, but caring for the environment is just as deeply embedded in who we are. One of the most inspiring examples of this commitment is our Guest Services Manager, Bebe, who regularly volunteers with Eco Barge Clean Seas, a not‑for‑profit organisation dedicated to protecting the breathtaking marine environment of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

Eco Barge Clean Seas has achieved extraordinary impact since 2009, including:

  • 281,252 kg of marine debris collected
  • 588 barge island clean‑up trips completed
  • 710 native trees planted
  • 318 turtles cared for at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre
  • 15,163 volunteers contributing to conservation efforts

These numbers tell a powerful story, but the real magic happens through everyday people who show up, roll up their sleeves, and make a difference.

Why Bebe Volunteers

For Bebe, volunteering isn’t just an activity, it’s a personal mission. Living and working in the Whitsundays means being surrounded by one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments. Giving back is her way of honouring the place she calls home.

Bebe often says that seeing the direct impact of each clean‑up,  from removing harmful plastics to helping protect nesting sites, reminds her how interconnected tourism and conservation truly are. Healthy oceans mean healthy wildlife, thriving reefs, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Hands-On Conservation

Her volunteer work spans several Eco Barge programs:

Marine Debris Removal
Joining barge trips to remote beaches, the team helps clear litter washed in from ocean currents. These clean‑ups prevent plastics from entering the food chain and protect turtles, seabirds, and marine life.

Turtle Rescue Support
Eco Barge’s Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre has cared for more than 318 injured or sick turtles.

Ecosystem Restoration
Participates in tree‑planting days, contributing to the 710 native trees planted to restore riparian zones and strengthen coastal resilience.

Education & Awareness
Back at The Sebel Whitsundays, Bebe shares what she learns, inspiring colleagues, guests, and partners to make small changes that collectively protect our oceans.

Why This Matters for Our Guests

Bebe’s volunteer work enriches our guest experience in meaningful ways:

  • Authentic local insight into conservation efforts
  • Stronger community connections that reflect our values
  • A more sustainable stay through informed practices
  • Inspiration for guests who want to explore responsibly
  • When Bebe recommends a beach, a tour, or a wildlife experience, it comes with firsthand knowledge of how fragile, and how special this region truly is.

💙 A Shared Commitment
We’re incredibly proud of Bebe’s dedication and grateful for the example she sets. Eco Barge Clean Seas reminds us that protecting the Whitsundays is a shared responsibility,  one that our team embraces wholeheartedly.