World Ocean Day

Jean Hudson reports on WA World Ocean Day at Gage Roads last night!

Gage Roads Freo had a packed house last night, an evening celebrating the ocean on our doorstep. Hosted by The Jock Clough Marine Foundation this free community event brought together scientists, conservationists, ocean lovers, and the broader community to connect with and celebrate Western Australia’s marine environment.

The evening began with a Welcome to Country delivered by Rickeeta Walley, a proud Nyoongar woman living and working on Whadjuk country.

Two expert panel discussions anchored the programme.

Wild West Waters: Western Australia is home to one of the most extraordinary marine ecosystems on the planet, shaped by isolation, remarkable diversity, and ongoing discovery. Dr Glenn Moore (Curator of Fishes, WA Museum), Dr Oliver Jewell (DBCA), Nush Freedman (Terra Australis, Shipwreck Hunters), and Sam Moyle (The Jock Clough Marine Foundation) unpacked what makes it so special, and why it matters.

Between the panels, international award-winning songwriter and guitarist Rick Webster performed live music Including his moving rendition of John Butler Trio’s iconic “Oceans”.

Turning Tides: Our oceans are changing, faster than most of us realise. This panel got into what that really means and, more importantly, what we can do about it. The panel featured Dr Adrian Gleiss (Murdoch University), Dr Michaela Dommisse (Director of Oceans, The Nature Conservancy Australia), Dr Tony Worby (Chair of the WA Reef Regen Steering Committee), and Jock Clough (UWA Oceans Institute Chair).

Beyond the program, there were stallholders, and you could contribute to Blank Walls coral mural.

Western Australia has 13,000 kilometres of coastline and is home to one of the most diverse and remarkable marine environments in the world, shaping the state’s lifestyle, culture, and connection to place. The event gave everyday West Australians — from beachgoers to fishers to families — direct access to scientists and advocates working on the frontlines of marine conservation.

A great night. So much to learn!

*Words and photographs by Jean Hudson. Jean is our Shipping and Sailing Correspondent and also a regular feature writer, reviewer and photographer here on the Shipping News. You may also like to follow up her informative Places I Love stories, as well as other feature stories and Freo Today photographs, right here.

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