First Nation trainee finalist in prestigious awards

Mas National congratulates Gunggandji man Chasten Hunter, who has been honoured as a finalist in the Tropical North Queensland Training Awards, recognising his exceptional contributions to the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef.
Living in Yarrabah, Chasten is a contender for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year award, following his completion of a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. The 22-year-old was employed as a trainee by the the Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples PBC Aboriginal Corporation (GMYPPBC) and signed up and supported by Australian Apprenticeship Support Service Mas National.
From a young age, Chasten was driven by a desire to contribute positively to the Gunggandji community and land. His journey began with a school-based work experience program with the Mandingalbay Yidinji rangers at East Trinity, where he played a role in protecting cultural heritage sites, “Becoming a ranger and working on my country has always been my ambition. It’s fulfilling to contribute to the wellbeing of the Gunggandji people and our community,” he said. .
After leaving school in Year 10, Chasten initially worked on a cattle station in Central Queensland. However, his strong connection to country prompted his return to Yarrabah, where he joined the ranger team at GMYPPBC.
GMYPPBC, a charity and not for profit organisation based in Yarrabah—the largest discrete Aboriginal community in Australia—was founded in February 2021. The corporation has since launched a First Nations ranger program that promotes employment and training through various environmental management activities.
In this program, rangers gain hands-on experience and knowledge in the field, learning to identify, map, survey, and document important data about Sea Country. Mas National (Part of the IntoWork Group) collaborates closely with GMYPPBC, offering traineeships and expert advice to enhance the program.
During his tenure, Chasten was instrumental in collecting 2.6 tonnes of marine debris over a two-week expedition to the Coral Sea, cleaning more than 25 islands and caves within the Great Barrier Reef. He also acquired vital skills in diving, habitat restoration, and environmental evaluation.
Throughout his training, Chasten benefited greatly from the support of Mas, which provided guidance and support essential for his professional growth, “Mas was incredibly supportive, always proactive in reaching out and offering help whenever needed, which significantly impacted my development,” he said.
Mas National Queensland State Manager Juliet Stewart said Chasten’s nomination in these awards is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the positive impact in Yarrabah, “His achievements reflect not only his commitment to environmental conservation but also his deep connection to his cultural heritage. Chasten is a role model in the community, inspiring both young and old with his dedication to preserving our natural and cultural landscapes. We are proud to have been a part of his journey,” she said.
Chasten’s commitment to lifelong learning has continued beyond his traineeship. He is now training to become a Soldier with the Australian Defence Force at the First Battalion in Kapooka.
Chasten said he will use the skills he gains with the Defence Force to continue to move towards his ultimate goal of becoming a ranger and playing a bigger role in empowering his community, “Leaving my community was a huge step for me but I truly believe in my heart that this path will support me to develop the skills and qualifications that will support me to return to my community and help my Gunggandji people and family to achieve self-determination,” he said.
Chasten expressed his enthusiasm about being a finalist in the awards and his upcoming visit home, “Since my time with GMYPPBC I have discovered rangers have the best job in the world and looking after country is my way of giving back to my community. I have personally benefited from my traineeship in so many ways and have
fostered a deeper respect and connection to my country during this time. It has exceeded my expectations and given me so much more in return,” he said.
The Tropical North Queensland Training Awards will be held at the Glade Pavilion Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas on Saturday, July 13.