REEF graduation 2025 

The REEF program follows a group of participants through their final year of primary school and their first year of secondary school. The young people attend programs at Cottage by the Sea or offsite in a range of outdoor environments. While participating in outdoor adventure and group activities, participants are encouraged to have fun while taking calculated risks. 

As part of the graduation ceremony, the participants are asked to write and deliver a speech to staff and families about their time on the REEF program, what challenges they have faced and overcome, as well as what they have enjoyed most throughout the program. One of the biggest highlights for the group was the snow camp, as most of them had not been to the snow before. 

Cottage Ambassador Phil de Fégely ran a public speaking workshop for the Reefies in preparation for their speeches. Phil has an amazing wealth of public speaking experience and was kind enough to share some of his time and knowledge with the group. 

Over the weekend, the participants enjoyed some fun activities before the graduation ceremony on the Sunday.

One of the highlights was a seal and dolphin charter. The excitement on board was contagious as the boat made its way out to Port Phillip Bay.

The first stop was Pope's Eye – a beautiful marine sanctuary home to Australian fur seals, dolphins and a wide range of seabird colonies. After spending some time admiring the seals basking in the sun, it was time to go to the Portsea pier for a snorkel. The underwater world came alive as the participants admired weedy sea dragons and lots of other beautiful fish.

Then, on the way back to the Queenscliff Harbour, the skipper yelled out, “Dolphins!” Right behind the boat was a pod of dolphins – they put on a real show.

Everyone returned to shore feeling proud, inspired and filled with more memories that will stay with them for a long time. Well done and congratulations to our 2025 REEF participants!