Lazarus Friday-Gibson’s mother and grandparents grew up on a mission just outside of Townsville. “And back when they were young, people got killed for doing the stuff that I’m doing now,” he tells Karryon.
Lazarus works as an Indigenous Cultural Guide and Sea Ranger with Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel, the first outer reef experience to celebrate Australia’s First Nations Peoples and their connection to Sea Country.
His work brings together the world’s largest coral reef system with the world’s oldest living culture to Australian and overseas visitors in a unique and very necessary pairing.
“What makes us different from other dive companies? Not only are our dive sites really good, but we’re combining science and Indigenous Culture throughout our tours,” Lazarus says.
And it’s making a difference.
“It impacts everything. And it’s had a really good impact in such a short span of time,” he says.
“A little back in the day when you talked about [Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander] Culture or did anything that looked a bit funny, then you got killed,” he tells Karryon.
“For me to do this work and get praise for it, it’s a really proud moment and my family are proud of me.”
Lazarus has been with Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel since he finished school and now works with trainees from Grade 11 and 12.
“They’re joining in with our presentations, doing marine engineering, getting their coxswains and stuff like that. And all that’s not just having an impact now, it’ll be impacting the future.”
“It’s keeping Culture alive because it’s not just international tourists on board, there are Australians too and they get to learn, and take what they’ve learned back to their home.
“They’ll have videos and photos of all us boys painted up or dancing or presenting and maybe it’ll spark a little thought in their mind to want to learn about their area. They get a bit more appreciation for it and it can be like a slippery slope and then together we’ll all get better at keeping the Culture alive.”
So what does a typical tour look like?
“It depends on who’s on the boat that day,” says Lazarus.
“If it’s myself, or a couple of my cousins, we’re Traditional Owners around here, so we could do Welcome to Country in Language and for a lot of people, it’s the first time hearing Aboriginal Language.
“And then on the way to the sites, I would do a Culture and marine biology presentation, setting the two together and showing how they can work together. Throughout the day we have snorkel tours and more Culture tours. And we have a few artefacts on board, like a didgeridoo, clap sticks, coolamons, shields, fire sticks, spears that we can talk about.”
Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel operates on the Sea Country of which the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji , Mandingalbay Yidinji, Yirrganydji & Gunggandji peoples are the Traditional Owners.
Lazarus says they have to get permission to tell the stories they do.
“We have permissions from Elders and they give us information we can share and stuff we can’t share. And we stay within those guidelines. I’m from a fair few areas and I can go back and talk to my grandparents or great-grandparents and they can let me talk about things from where I’m from.”
“My stepdad used to work in tourism and he always told me that if I wanted to explain something Culture you explain it in a way that others will understand.
“So my favourite example for that is this: we have these big mango pods we hollow out. And we can store stuff in them. Wrap them in beeswax and that way whatever is inside becomes weatherproof. So I could explain all that but it’s easier to say to someone who doesn’t know what I’m talking about that it’s just our own version of an esky.”
The first step
“I think if people in the community see us doing this kind of work, it’ll make them want to pursue something similar,” says Lazarus.
“It’s going to help the community because a journey of 1000 miles starts with one step. Little things get bigger and bigger.”
Experience Co, which owns Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel is working to provide more opportunities and sustainable careers for First Australians.
“We intend to continue and extend partnerships with educational programs to facilitate job placements, as well as to build relationships with other communities and organisations to engage within our reconciliation journey,” Experience Co chief executive John O’Sullivan says.
Working with AAT Kings
Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel features in AAT Kings’ new Aboriginal Culture & Australia Highlights tour, as part of the company’s new 2024/2025 touring season.
AAT Kings collaborated closely with Discover Aboriginal Experiences (part of Tourism Australia’s ‘Signature Experiences of Australia’) to identify and curate Indigenous operators and experiences that form part of the new season itinerary.
“When choosing partners, authenticity is paramount,” AAT Kings chief executive Ben Hall told Karryon.
“We look for collaborators who share our commitment to delivering a genuine and enriching experience. Our guests deserve nothing less than an authentic journey into the heart of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.”
According to Ben, AAT Kings’ goal with the Aboriginal Culture and Australian Highlights tour was to create “a truly immersive experience that goes beyond the ordinary”.
“This new tour is just a glimpse into how AAT Kings is committed to growing our range of Indigenous experiences across our suite of travel products, to advocate and highlight the range and depth of Indigenous tourism experiences, across Australia,” he said.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said tourism experiences which share the stories of the world’s oldest living continuous culture through our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are “of increasing interest to travellers”.
“We know from our research that demand for Indigenous tourism experiences has been risingamongst both domestic and international travellers and that there are specific areas of opportunities for new and emerging tourism experiences.
“Offerings like the new AAT Kings tour will enable travellers to experience first-hand the stories and cultures of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have been the custodians of country, land, sea and waters here for more than 60,000 years.”
The Aboriginal Culture & Australia Highlights tour will have limited departures in 2024 and 2025.
