MINT Logo
MINT
Magnetic Island
Network for Turtles

About MINT

Local people taking practical action for sea turtle conservation

Our Story

From a crisis response to a formal conservation organisation

Magnetic Island Network for Turtles (MINT) formed in 2011 as a response to the mass mortality stranding event of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) which occurred along the Queensland coast following widespread flooding and Cyclone Yasi. Turtle strandings increased by 400% in the Townsville region with Magnetic Island alone recording over 100 dead or dying turtles washing ashore.

With such increased numbers, the island community was interacting with turtles more than ever before, regularly encountering dead or very sick turtles on local beaches. Many people were personally affected by this high level of mortality, and wanted to do something to help the turtles.

A small group of volunteers decided to mobilise. All turtle rehabilitation facilities in the region were full, so the volunteers created a makeshift turtle clinic at the island's Vet Clinic, gaining in-kind support from local businesses and Townsville Council.

The volunteers worked cooperatively with JCUVet School, ReefHQ and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to rehabilitate as many turtles as possible, and to empower the local community to make a difference. This was the beginning of Magnetic Island Network for Turtles.

MINT is now a formal incorporated group, undertaking practical on-ground activities for sea turtle conservation locally on Magnetic Island and within the Townsville region. Our dedicated volunteers operate across different areas of MINT to make a real difference and collect valuable data.

MINT volunteers proactively monitor sea turtle nests on Magnetic Island, taking intervention actions to help increase nesting success. MINT also supports volunteers from the Townsville area who can respond to sea turtle strandings and report local nesting activity.

MINT Turtle Clinic 2011

James Cook University

MINT Turtle Clinic 2025

James Cook University

Meet the Team

Dedicated volunteers and committee members

Jo Peterson

President

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Rebecca Brooking

Secretary

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Olivia Glasson

Treasurer

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Tim Downs

Medical Team Leader

Tim has supported sea turtle conservation through rehabilitation, education, and community awareness since 2013. As Medical Team Leader at MINT, he helps guide turtle care and volunteer operations while leading development of the Turtle Information Management System (TIMS). He has also served as an active committee member since MINT incorporated in 2022.

Paul Groves

Grants Team Leader

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Traci Ayris

Communications

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Sydney Higgenbottom
Nadia Vassos

General Committee Members

Sydney, a scientific diver and marine biologist, is a Townsville based volunteer at MINT and a new member on the committee.

Leanne Lance

Fundraising

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Lily Donnelly

Operations Coordinator

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Partners and Supporters

Working together for stronger turtle outcomes

Magnetic Island Network for Turtles (MINT) works collaboratively with other organisations and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for sea turtle conservation.

James Cook University

James Cook University (JCU)

MINT has a long and positive collaborative working relationship with the JCU for over a decade. We have worked closely with key academic staff in the space of sea turtle health, research, rehabilitation and necropsy. Key MINT Volunteers are associated with the JCU and the JCU Turtle Health Research group.

JCU Vet

JCU Vet

JCUVet, based in Townsville, provides vital veterinary care for injured sea turtles, including juveniles found floating or suffering trauma. The team performs specialised assessments such as entanglement checks, CT scans, X-rays and blood analysis before patients are transferred to MINT for ongoing care, rehabilitation and eventual release where possible.

MIDCA

Magnetic Island Community Development Association (MIDCA)

The Magnetic Island Community Development Association (MIDCA) supported MINT before incorporation, when it operated as a working group. That close relationship continues through coordinated grant applications, shared resources and a common commitment to protecting Magnetic Island’s natural environment. Together, both organisations help strengthen conservation outcomes for the island community.

 

Magnetic Island Ferries

Magnetic Island Ferries supports MINT by providing local ferry transport for sea turtles travelling between the mainland and Magnetic Island. This assistance helps ensure turtles can be moved safely and efficiently for assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. Their practical support plays an important role in MINT’s day-to-day rescue and care operations.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

MINT works closely with QPWS rangers and wildlife officers across all activity areas. The Turtle Clinic operates under a wildlife rehabilitation permit, and MINT supports sea turtle strandings response and training in partnership with QPWS. Nest monitoring is conducted under the direction of QPWS Senior Conservation Officer Dr Ian Bell.

sealink

SeaLink

SeaLink supports MINT by providing local ferry transport for sea turtles travelling between the mainland and Magnetic Island. This assistance helps ensure turtles can be moved safely, efficiently and with minimal stress for assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. Their practical support is an important part of MINT’s rescue and care operations.

 

ReefHQ

MINT has a long and valued relationship with Reef HQ, built over many years of shared commitment to sea turtle conservation, education and rehabilitation. Although Reef HQ is currently closed for reconstruction, the connection remains important. MINT looks forward to future opportunities for collaboration once the facility reopens and operations resume.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

Veterinarian Support

Over the years, MINT has been supported on a voluntary basis by local veterinarians including Dr Dhanushka Jayakody-Perera, Dr Ali Bee, Dr Katie Morgan and Dr Max Kadell. Their time, expertise and practical assistance have been critical to the operation of MINT’s turtle clinic and the care of turtles in rehabilitation.

Wulgurukaba

MINT maintains a positive and ongoing relationship with the Traditional Owners of Yunbenun, the Wulgurukaba people. We seek endorsement for our activities, value cultural knowledge and encourage meaningful engagement wherever possible. This relationship reflects our commitment to respectful conservation practice and recognition of Traditional Owners’ enduring connection to Country.

Recent Stories

Rescue, research and community action

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Story One

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Story Two

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Story Three

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