Best Job in the World
After a worldwide search, Ben Southall was chosen as Tourism Queensland’s Islands Caretaker or what we like to call the ‘Best Job in the World’. The role is a newly created position designed to help promote the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef to the world.
Ben was selected from more than 34,000 people from around the globe who applied for the Best Job in the World. He will work for six months exploring the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef and report on his travels through regular blog posts.
Applications for the job opened in January 2008, with would-be caretakers sending in 60-second videos showing their creativity and skills. From a shortlist of 50 applicants, Ben was amongst the final 16 applicants who travelled to Queensland in early May for the final selection process.
The interviews were held on the Whitsunday Islands and involved all 16 applicants taking on a range of tasks from swimming, snorkelling, tasting local cuisine as well as undergoing formal interviews and tests. The announcement of the successful applicant was a truly electric moment as Ben’s name was read out in front of the world’s cameras. The other applicants, who by now were all firm friends, rushed to congratulate him.
All of the candidates were very special but Ben’s adventurous spirit, energy and passion for the outdoors proved an irresistible combination. The 34-year-old charity fundraiser from Petersfield in Hampshire, UK is now donning his new work uniform - a wetsuit and flippers - and will keep himself busy exploring one of the great natural wonders of the world.
Ben will immerse himself in life above and below the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. A keen diver and sailor, he’s going to experience the full wonder and ecological diversity of the reef and islands. And you can follow Ben’s adventures through his regular blog!
You can also view the applications from our final 16 applicants,enjoy some of our favourites and funnies and watch videos from the interview event on our IslandReefJob YouTube channel.
