Our Crew | Passage Pirates

🏴‍☠️ Meet the Crew: The Pirates Behind the Passion

We are the Pumicestone Passage Pirates Incorporated Association — a fearless and compassionate crew of fishers, crabbers, prawners, campers, 4WDers, carers, and changemakers who’ve chosen to sail together for something far deeper than the tides. We are not just about rods and reels — we are about restoring hearts, healing minds, and creating safe harbours for all.

🧭 Why We Sail Together

At the helm of everything we do is camaraderie, mental health, inclusion, and conservation. Many of us have weathered heavy storms — from childhood trauma to addiction, grief, loneliness, and loss. Together, we’ve built a brotherhood and sisterhood founded on honesty, vulnerability, respect, and love. Through fishing competitions, campfire chats, accessibility adventures, and shared purpose, we support one another to stay off the grog, out of isolation, and on course to better lives. We call it Pirate Transformation — and we’re proud of it.

🪝 What Makes Our Crew Special

Each member of our committee and wider crew brings something powerful to the deck — from the wisdom of the elders to the spark of the next generation. We come from all walks of life: tradies, teachers, First Nations leaders, NDIS carers, single mums, veterans, youth workers, and quiet legends who simply want to help others rise. Together, we raise funds, rescue wildlife, mentor the lost, cook up BBQs, and run events that change lives.

Our committee roles are detailed, defined, and transparent — with leaders for grant writing, mental health, accessibility, youth wellbeing, and event coordination. New volunteers are welcomed with open arms and a clear role to play.

🏝️ What We've Achieved

Raised over $10,000 for mental health, suicide prevention, and domestic violence support
Built a community fishing boat for connection and support
Hosted inclusive fishing competitions for Mums, Dads, and families with disability or hardship
Grown a Facebook group of 15,000+ members filled with love, humour, and support
Created safe group chats for vulnerable members needing a hand
Partnered with councils, local businesses, and sponsors for lasting community impact
Rescued injured marine life and pushed for Pumicestone Passage conservation

🛶 Where We’re Heading

Our ship is sailing toward even bigger seas — and we want you aboard. Here’s what’s next:

Purchasing and branding our community boat trailer through sponsorship
Launching mental health workshops and youth mentorship programs
Collaborating with universities to measure and prove our social impact
Developing a digital AI assistant to help members find local fishing tips and mental health support
Expanding Indigenous business incubation, culture schools, and storytelling through our crew
Growing our Membership Base with Silver and Gold tiers to keep the dream afloat
Honouring life members and founding legends for their heart and service

⚓ How We Work Together

We work as a crew — no one greater than another, every voice heard. We support each other through action, laughter, mateship, and honest check-ins. We believe in transparent governance, shared responsibility, and regular recognition. We host open committee meetings, welcome volunteers, and encourage every pirate to find their place on deck.

The Pumicestone Passage Pirates are more than a group — we are a movement. A crew bound not by gold, but by purpose. And as long as there’s one soul out there needing a safe place to land — we’ll be casting out our line.

🖤🏴‍☠️ Join us. The tides are turning.

The pirates aboard our ship...

Captian Fixo - President

Leads the Pumicestone Passage Pirates Inc., steers meetings, sets direction, and speaks for the crew. Keeps us legal, united, and focused on mental health, inclusion, and community.

First aboard. Last to leave. Always on watch.

First mate Wadey - Vice President & Secretary

Our Vice President & Secretary, John keeps the ship’s log, helps chart the course, and backs the Captain at every turn. He leads sponsorships, drives events, and champions conservation and sustainability across the Pumicestone Passage.

Loyal to the mission. Steady at the helm. Keeper of the code.

TREASURE KEEPER - Trevor Kilkenny

Trevor guards the gold as Treasurer, leads the way as our Accessibility & Inclusion Officer, and helps power our events and sponsorship efforts. From budgeting to making sure everyone feels welcome, he’s the man with the map and a heart for the whole crew.

Fair. Fearless. Always ready to haul the anchor and hoist the colours.

THE DIPLOMAT – Peter Hunt

From the very beginning, Peter has been a guiding compass for the Pirates. He’s our community and government liaison, building strong ties with fundraisers, politicians, the Mayor, and Councillors across Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast. Calm in the storm and wise in the council, Peter helps steer our cause where it matters most.

Trusted by the crew. Respected by the fleet. A true Pirate statesman.

Dr Alison “Coral Heart” Jones
Wildlife Rescuer & Sea Bird Sentinel

With salty hair and a soul attuned to the rhythm of the sea, Dr Alison “Coral Heart” Jones brings heart, grit, and deep environmental wisdom to our crew. A former coral scientist who spent over a decade living and breathing the Great Barrier Reef, Alison now devotes her days to protecting sea birds, rescuing wildlife, and championing coastal conservation across Queensland. She holds a Restricted Coxswain’s ticket and is a qualified dive instructor, making her a true ocean navigator both above and below the surface.

Alison is the quiet strength in the crow’s nest — watching, learning, and guiding us toward gentler tides. Whether she’s releasing a rescued pelican, sharing knowledge about migratory birds, or helping us fish with care, she embodies what it means to love wild things fiercely and protect them fully.

We’re honoured to have “Coral Heart” aboard — reminding us every day that Pirates protect their patch.

THE WATCHKEEPER – Shaun Carling

As our Public Officer, Shaun keeps us legally seaworthy. He handles grant writing, legislation adherence, and insurance, making sure every move we make follows the rules of the sea. With a sharp eye and steady hand, he keeps the crew on task and out of troubled waters.

Guardian of the rules. Keeper of the charts. Trusted eyes in every storm.

THE PASSAGE MASTER – Bruce “Mangrove Jack” Dawes

A founding crew member and trusted guide, Mangrove Jack is the Pirates’ go-to for all things fishing. As the author of the ‘Starting Out’ series, he shares expert tips drawn from years of experience on the Pumicestone Passage. His knowledge helps beginners and seasoned fishos alike land their next big catch.

Skilled. Dedicated. A true legend of the Passage.

Brett “The Whiting Whisperer” Weiler

Brett’s an Alvey Ambassador with decades of bait fishing wisdom under his belt. Known for his old-school rigs and Fraser Island roots, he’s the bloke behind many of our expert blog tips. If it’s got fins and eats bait, Brett knows how to catch it.

Rachel - Quartermaster of the Coin & Keeper of the Ledger Scrolls

Rachel be the silent strength behind our treasure chest—reconcilin’ Stripe, PayPal, and the Pirates’ gold in the business bank. With sharp eyes and steady hands, she keeps the books shipshape and ready for the taxman. Without her, we’d be sailin’ blind through stormy financial seas.

PUMICESTONE PASSAGE PIRATES INC.