SeaLink Whitsundays reflects on Close the Gap Day through story of family and culture

A mother and daughter working side-by-side at SeaLink Whitsundays are sharing their story of family, culture and connection following National Close the Gap Day (19 March).

Roweena McNicol and her daughter Ashlee Gardner work together in the business, their connection shaped by both heritage and the Whitsundays community they call home.

Born in Bowen, Roweena has a rich background spanning Aboriginal, Australian South Sea Islander and Torres Strait Islander heritage, with family ties to Vanuatu. Like many Australians, much of this history was not openly shared during her early life and is something she has come to understand more deeply over time.

Ashlee, born in Proserpine, is a proud Whitsundays local, shaped by the place she calls home and the connections within her family. After years of watching her children build careers in tourism, Roweena has now joined the industry herself, working alongside her daughter.

“I love that I have the privilege of working with my daughter,” Ms McNicol said.

She also spoke to the importance of cultural understanding.

“It is important to learn about other cultures to help understand why people do things and how things affect them. Australians aren’t black and white. It is a multicultural island.”

National Close the Gap Day highlights the ongoing gap in health, education and socio-economic outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians, and the importance of continued action and awareness.

SeaLink Whitsundays General Manager James Thomas said the story reflects the strength of connection within the team.

“We’re pleased to have Roweena and Ashlee as part of our team. Seeing a mother and daughter working side-by-side and supporting each other is something quite special,” he said. “They bring a genuine sense of connection and care into the workplace, which is valued every day.”

SeaLink continues to build on its commitment to cultural awareness and engagement through its Reconciliation Action Plan, supporting opportunities to listen, learn and strengthen connections with the communities it serves.

On Friday, SeaLink South Australia unveiled a newly commissioned artwork, The Continuous Journey, at the Penneshaw Ferry Terminal on Kangaroo Island, created by emerging Ngarrindjeri artist Aislin Aspel. The installation recognises and celebrates First Nations culture and connection to Country, alongside broader initiatives delivered across SeaLink’s operations nationally, including engagement with the Clontarf Foundation and support for cultural tourism experiences such as The Goompi Trail Experience on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), and Tiwi by Design in the Northern Territory.

For information on National Close the Gap Day, visit closethegap.org.au.

For more information about SeaLink, visit sealink.com.au.