Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre:
Saving (Critically) Endangered Sea Turtles
Located in the heart of Central Queensland and the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (QITRC) is a dedicated, non-profit medical clinic focused on rescuing and rehabilitating (critically) endangered sea turtles. Serving a vast 400km stretch of coastline and surrounding islands, the centre is a vital lifeline for sick and injured turtles in the region.
Since its opening in 2012, QITRC has been run by a passionate team of carers and volunteers, successfully rehabilitating and releasing hundreds of sea turtles back into the wild. Without the centre’s intervention, many of these turtles would not have survived.
The facility operates around the clock, with 24/7 care provided by a team of five live-in volunteers who stay on-site year-round. In recognition of its dedication to wildlife rehabilitation, QITRC was awarded the prestigious Wildlife Rehabilitation Australia Award in 2023.
How QITRC Saves Turtles
When a sea turtle is found sick or injured, the public can call the QITRC 24/7 rescue hotline. Trained marine stranding responders are dispatched to assess the turtle’s condition, and if needed, it is transported to the centre for treatment. Thanks to a network of over 100 regional volunteers, the turtles are transported across Central Queensland for care.
QITRC’S MISSION AND
COMMUNITY IMPACT
The work done at QITRC goes beyond just rehabilitation. The centre is involved in a range of initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving sea turtles, including:
Rescue and rehabilitation of (critically) endangered sea turtles
Medical diagnostics and treatments
Contributing to research and conservation efforts
Educational programs and school excursions to QITRC
Educational outreach through talks at schools and public events
Social media and media appearances to raise awareness
Training live-in volunteers, equipping them with marine rescue and rehabilitation skills