A new wave of leaders for fish habitat restoration in Australia

OzFish is excited to announce its first National Committee, led by inspiring young people who have come through our OzFish Young Leaders Program.

The National Young Leaders Committee will offer the opportunity for young people to collaborate with industry experts, OzFish staff, and key stakeholders to develop leadership skills, contribute to national conservation efforts, and shape the future of recreational fishing and waterway health in Australia.

The National Committee is part of OzFish’s ongoing commitment to support young people with leadership and professional development opportunities post-internship.

Meet our National Young Leaders Committee

Makayla Oosterbeek, NSW

My name is Makayla and I’m a young leader from the Sydney Harbour Chapter. I’m completing a Master’s degree at the University of Sydney, researching the Yellowtail Kingfish population around Lord Howe Island.

I’m extremely passionate about sustainable fishing and want to ensure healthy fish populations all around Australia. As a young recreational fisher, I’m keen on fish habitat restoration and have seen first-hand how important thriving waterways are.

Through this experience, I hope to gain practical knowledge, meet like-minded people, and find new ways to connect with young people to protect our fisheries.

Amber Forbes, QLD

My name is Amber Forbes and I am a member of the Maroochy chapter. I am committed to protecting fish habitats and the health of our waterways, as these ecosystems are essential to the well-being of both biodiversity and communities.

As a young leader, I am eager to contribute to the long-term preservation of Australia’s environment, and I hope to expand my knowledge of effective conservation practices and continue building connections with others dedicated to making a positive impact.

Hayden Comber, NSW

My name is Hayden Comber and I have been working with OzFish for just over a year now as a young leader and a Habitat Officer for the Hastings Chapter.

I grew up in Mulgoa on the outskirts of Western Sydney, surrounded by struggling ecosystems due to mass mismanagement. This illuminated the issues surrounding our natural resources at a very young age and sparked a passion to make a difference. Growing up in the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment, I have seen the degradation of the system first-hand.

From fish kills, illegal industrial waste dumping and poor riparian management, this made me very passionate about aquatic management and taking on stewardship roles. I now live in Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast where I am studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management majoring in Aquatic Ecosystems.

I hope I can help make a change and empower young people to do the same as a representative of the Young Leaders Committee.

Natasha Naprawski, WA

I’m Natasha Naprawski, part of the Fremantle Chapter and representing WA on the OzFish National Young Leaders Committee.

I’m studying Environmental Science with a focus on waterway and coastal restoration. Growing up fishing and loving science led me to pursue this degree and sparked a passion to make a real difference in local waterways and fish habitats.

Through this role, I hope to grow as an environmental scientist, inspire more young people to engage in waterway solutions, represent young perspectives in fishing, strengthen connections between universities and OzFish, and bring new ideas to improve aquatic ecosystems and fish communities across Western Australia.

Madelynn Morgan, NSW

I am a graduate from the University of Newcastle with a degree in Coastal and Marine Science. I have always had a love and respect for nature, which has driven my passion for environmental conservation. Throughout my studies, I focused on biodiversity & conservation as well as animal biology.

I am eager to contribute to key national restoration projects and excited about the opportunity to gain guidance and mentorship from the OzFish team!

Find out more about the OzFish Young Leaders program to get involved.

This project has been partly funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust with support from BCF – Boating Camping Fishing.