The Moment That Sparked A Mission

With Mel Brookes from Oceanic Tales

Sometimes the most meaningful missions begin with an unexpected moment - an experience that sets you on an entirely new course.

For Airlie Beach locals Mel and Josh Brookes, together with their sons Reef and Jett, everything changed in the September school holidays of 2024, when Reef was stung by an Irukandji jellyfish at Boathaven Beach.

“It was pretty horrific,” Mel recounted.  

“Reef initially came out of the water thinking that he had been pinched by a crab. I washed his ankle to get the sand off it, and we noticed blister-looking welts appear. Then, the pain just hit him straight away.”  

Reef’s little brother Jett instinctively ran to find a vinegar bottle – knowledge that Mel thanks Junior Lifeguards for instilling in him. Then, they called an ambulance.  

“They put a heart monitor ECG machine on him, and it just kept skyrocketing through the roof.” Mel said.  

“That’s when I went into shock, realising he was suffering Irukandji syndrome. For three or four hours his heart rate just kept climbing and dropping, climbing and dropping.

“It was a shock that it happened, and especially during the September school holidays, because we’re avid beach goers.  

“We have all been led to believe that stingers are only around November to February – but that’s not true.”

The incident set Mel on a mission- not to instil fear of the ocean, but to educate people to enjoy it more safely.

It began when Mel was on the sofa with Reef searching for a grab-and-go marine safety kit that would allow the family to jump back into the ocean without fear.  

“There was really nothing.” Mel said.  

“Reef actually turned around to me and said: ‘Why don't we create one?’”

From there, Mel and her family began researching, designing and building what would become the start of Oceanic Tales.

Within just a few weeks, the first Oceanic Tales Marine Kit had arrived at their doorstep. It just as quick to start selling, in the Whitsundays community and around Australia.  

While the Marine Kit was Oceanic Tales’ first product, it was never just about selling a bag. It became a practical teaching tool, allowing the Brookes family to visit schools, sporting clubs, community groups and Junior Lifeguards to share marine safety in a simple, hands on and memorable way.

"Our vision is simple," Mel explained.

"We want more people enjoying the ocean with confidence, knowing they're better prepared for whatever comes their way."

Now, Oceanic Tales are expanding, offering quality, premium performance stinger suits in material that mimics the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach. This first design is named ‘The Reef Suit’, as Reef sketched the jellyfish design emblazoned across the back.  

One of the proudest moments on Brookes family’s journey so far was travelling to Brisbane to be recognised by the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland for their contribution to community water safety - a milestone that reinforced the impact their initiative was already having.  

Another has been watching both of the boys grow; particularly Reef, who now confidently shares his own story through public speaking.

Today, Oceanic Tales remains a true family business, with Mel leading education and community engagement, Josh helping bring their ideas to life around his 7/7 roster. Reef sparks ideas, and younger brother Jett gives unwavering support, every step of the journey.

Looking back, Mel says the frightening day that inspired the business still drives everything they do.  

"The day Reef was stung changed our family's life," she said.

"If sharing our story helps just one family feel more prepared before heading into the ocean, then every step of this journey has been worth it."

oceanictales.com.au

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