Australia celebrates first National Whale Day

14 June 2008

(Sydney, Australia) - Today, the whole nation has come together in celebration of cetaceans with 25 communities, from Marion Bay in Tasmania to Hervey Bay in Queensland and Albany to Exmouth in Western Australia, holding events for Australia’s first National Whale Day, coordinated by IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare).

IFAW Director, Erica Martin, said National Whale Day not only celebrates Australia’s connection to whales and the ocean, but also our ongoing fight to protect them.

“The number and diversity of events happening all over the country today illustrates how valuable whales are to Australians and that we are united in our commitment to protect them,” Ms Martin said.

The opening event in Sydney was hosted by IFAW and featured special guests including Australian Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett, and iconic Australian singer, Christine Anu. During the event IFAW launched a photographic project illustrate the breadth of support for whale protection across Australia. Project 551 features photographs of 551 Australians, including some familiar faces, making a whale tail with their hands.

“Project 551 demonstrates that the future of whales rests in all our hands. Whether you’re a politician or plumber, pensioner or performer, we all have a role to play in protecting these magnificent animals and their oceanic home,” Ms Martin said.

“Australians should be proud that we are a nation that is strongly committed to protecting whales and the marine environment. Whales enrich our environment and economy and it is fitting that we have a day to celebrate them,” said Australian Environment Minister, Peter Garrett.

Project 551 features everyday Australians as well as some familiar faces including Barry Crocker, Derryn Hinch, Nikki Webster, Paula Duncan, Shane Dye, Hamish Rosser (The Vines) and Felix Reibl (The Cat Empire). All 551 photographs will be visible online at www.project551.org where members of the public can add their own portraits.

The 25 events around the country have been coordinated by members of IFAW’s Humpback Icon Project (HIP). There are currently 59 members of HIP – a whale adoption initiative which involves communities and councils all around Australia.

For more information visit www.nationalwhaleday.com.au and www.project551.org

For media-related inquiries, contact:
Kerry Glenn, IFAW Asia Pacific Communications Officer
Tel: +61 9288 4993
Mobile: 0437 414 329
Email: kglenn@ifaw.org