The Aboriginal Sea Company’s (ASC) and Skills Insight partnership is off to a great start in 2025, launching with a successful two-day workshop under the Community-Based Aquaculture Training (CBATT) Project. The workshop brought together ASC, Skills Insight and key community stakeholders to collaborate on developing culturally appropriate aquaculture training tools that will empower First Nations communities.
The sessions provided valuable discussions, hands-on activities, and insights into the skills needed for First Nations people to succeed in the aquaculture industry.
The CBATT Project is a key part of ASC’s Strategic Plan ensuring culturally appropriate training across northern region communities. An Advisory Committee was formalised at the conclusion of the two-day workshop to help guide this work.
“A key aspect of this project is that the design of the tools is driven and led by community and structured to ensure continuous opportunities for community involvement in their development and delivery.” Bo Carne, CEO of Aboriginal Sea Company
“By ensuring training is delivered on our land and in a way that respects our culture, we’re not just teaching skills—we’re opening doors to real economic opportunities for our people. Culturally appropriate and accessible education empowers our communities, allowing us to build a future that’s grounded in both culture and progress.” Brian Tipungwuti – ASC Director and Warankuwu (Pandanus) man from the Tiwi Islands
“Skills Insight is proud to partner with the Aboriginal Sea Company, First Nations communities, and RTOs to support work on the cultural knowledge and skills needed to successfully operate a community-based aquaculture farm. The project will develop culturally appropriate training tools tailored to the needs of First Nations communities.”
“Aquaculture plays a crucial role in sustainable food production and supporting community employment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have cultivated aquaculture skills for thousands of years, and their knowledge is vital to the industry’s sustainability and prosperity. By working together, we can support training outcomes that incorporate traditional practices and modern techniques, empowering communities to thrive in the aquaculture industry.” Michael Hartman, CEO of Skills Insight
The CBATT Project is being implemented in two key phases to ensure it effectively meets the needs of First Nations communities.
The first phase focuses on community consultation, working with Aboriginal corporations, land councils, and RTOs to identify the specific training needs required for sustainable aquaculture development.
Building on these insights, the second phase involves developing tailored training tools, ensuring they align with national industry standards while embedding First Nations knowledge and practices to create culturally appropriate learning tools.
To support long-term impact, the training tools will be freely available through Skills Insight for First Nations communities and training providers. Additionally, the program offers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) opportunities, helping individuals gain formal qualifications and career advancement.
A final report will be submitted to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, reinforcing the broader industry benefits of this initiative.
As the project progresses, ASC and Skills Insight will continue collaborating with stakeholders, industry leaders, and community members to ensure the training remains practical, effective, and culturally grounded, further strengthening First Nations leadership in the seafood industry.
The Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) is a proud supported of the Aboriginal Sea Company and has invested in the Fishing Mentor Program.
Contact: Kiera Hopper kiera.h@aboriginalseacompany.com.au
