Tobias Prior – Exploring Careers on Sea Country
Finalist, Ministry of the Future Young Achiever Award
Tobias Prior is a a Yirranydji man and single father from Yarrabah, located on the traditional lands of the Gunggandji and Yidinji peoples. He is a Finalist for the Ministry of the Future Young Achiever Award at the King’s Trust Australia Awards 2025.
An hour from Cairns, Yarrabah’s unreliable phone, internet, and transportation makes it challenging for young people to secure stable employment and build meaningful careers.
Last December, Tobias joined The King’s Trust Australia’s Get Into Reef Conservation programme to build his skills and expand his career options.
Over the seven-week course, he gained valuable training in reef conservation, Traditional Owner Science, and personal development.
At first, Tobias was quiet and reserved, uncertain about what to expect. However, his reliability, eagerness to learn, and quiet determination stood out. His commitment inspired his fellow trainees and earned him the respect of staff, mentors, and Elders alike.
As one Yirrganydji Elder shared, "I have known Tobias all his life, and to watch how he has grown in confidence and his commitment to looking after the reef is wonderful."
"Tobias excelled in both technical and personal skills development. He embraced reef monitoring techniques, coral restoration methods, and the programme’s deep, hands-on connection to land and sea."
Tobias’ confidence grew during the programme, with one mentor reflecting, "What impressed me most was how Tobias could lead a conversation with guests about the importance of connecting to Country and understanding reef ecosystems - something he could barely speak about when he first joined us.
"Tobias’ journey is as a powerful example of how targeted programmes, grounded in culture and delivered on Country, can empower First Nations young people to lead, protect, and inspire."
This Award category is supported by Ministry of the Future.
Ministry of the Future is on a mission to amplify the voices ofyoung Australians who are shaping the future through courage, creativity, andcommunity leadership. As a youth-led climate storytelling initiative, they workwith emerging changemakers to reframe narratives around agency, systems change,and belonging. The Young Achiever Award offers a powerful platform to celebrateyoung people rewriting what’s possible - not just in climate, but acrosseducation, enterprise, and social impact.
