The Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre (MGCC) has marked a dual milestone, celebrating its 100th NITA graduate and launching Australia’s first fully electric 9-metre shuttle buses with disabled access.

At a special ceremony held at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, five young Indigenous trainees graduated with nationally recognised qualifications in Hospitality or Tourism, bringing the total number of NITA graduates at Mossman Gorge to 100.

The program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience, with trainees completing placements at MGCC and partner businesses including Back Country Bliss, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, and Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas.

CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, Matt Cameron-Smith, said:

“Our graduates have bright futures in tourism and hospitality, and we're incredibly proud of all they have achieved on their NITA journey at Mossman Gorge.

“This whole-of-region approach ensures we all reap the benefits of shared Indigenous culture, knowledge and skills.”

The program provides young Indigenous Australians with the opportunity to live, learn and earn on site, with many graduates progressing to employment in the tourism and hospitality industry either with Voyages or its partners.

Sustainability initiatives

Coinciding with this achievement, MGCC unveiled two fully electric shuttle buses; Kurranji (Cassowary) and Kurriyala (Carpet Snake).

The vehicles are the first of their kind in Australia and represent a major step forward in sustainable and accessible transport for the more than 300,000 guests who visit Mossman Gorge each year.

The new buses are part of a broader plan to transition at least half of MGCC’s fleet to zero-emission electric vehicles within the next 12 months, with another two EVs expected to arrive in the 2025–26 financial year.

Mr Cameron-Smith said the initiative is aligned with Queensland’s sustainability goals and reflects MGCC’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

“These electric buses are a big step forward in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint,” he said. 

“They offer a cleaner, quieter ride that enhances the guest experience and supports greater appreciation of the region’s rich biodiversity.”

The launch complements several other environmental initiatives underway at Mossman Gorge, including the upcoming construction of Ergon Energy’s high-voltage microgrid, rooftop solar panels to offset energy use, rainwater harvesting, and free EV charging stations for visitors.

Recognised globally for its eco-conscious credentials, the Port Douglas-Daintree region was the first destination in the world to receive Ecotourism Australia’s Eco Destination Certification in 2019.