The UniSC Milbi Centre – Sea Turtle Research and Rehabilitation is a place-based partnership between the University of the Sunshine Coast, the Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation and Turtles in Trouble Rescue Inc. Established on Butchulla Country, the Centre integrates First Nations knowledge, Western science, specialist wildlife care and community engagement to support sea turtle conservation on the Fraser Coast.

The Centre was developed in response to increasing sea turtle strandings and mortalities following extreme weather events in 2021–22, and the absence of a local treatment facility. Through sustained co-design, the partners transformed a disused Fraser Coast Regional Council amenities building into a fit-for-purpose facility with research, diagnostic and rehabilitation capability.

Since opening in May 2026, the Centre has improved local triage and treatment capacity, reducing the need for injured turtles to be transported long distances for care. By combining research, rehabilitation, cultural governance, education and digital engagement, the UniSC Milbi Centre demonstrates a powerful partnership model delivering environmental, cultural, social and educational impact.