Cliff Cobo is a proud member of the Wakka Wakka Nation of southern Queensland. Growing up in a large family of six boys and four girls shaped his resilience, values, and deep connection to community.

With a career dedicated to improving the lives of First Peoples, Cliff has worked across government, industry, and community organizations. As a CES officer, he developed employment and training strategies, later serving as a national policy manager for ATSIC, where he shaped policies for the country’s largest Indigenous employment program, the Community Development Employment Program.

For the past 11 years, Cliff has been with WWF, fostering partnerships between Traditional Owners and conservation efforts. He has played a key role in establishing conservation agreements with Traditional Owner groups, James Cook University, the Cairns Turtle Hospital, and the Reef HQ Aquarium, ensuring sustainable stewardship of Country for future generations.