Co-presented by UniSC as part of the Hervey Bay Whale Festival, Creating Waves offers an evening of fascinating insights and personal tales from those uniquely connected to these iconic marine creatures.

It is a chance to meet some of the researchers working out of Hervey Bay and learn about some of the pressures that whales face, from climate change to boat interactions.

Topics will cover how citizen scientists can contribute to the “Happy Whale” fluke identification system, which is being extended to cover the oceans of the world.

Traditional owners will explain the importance of the whales to the Butchulla people and how whale song lines connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders along the entire east coast of Australia.

With the Fraser Coast a known ‘hotspot’ for turtle strandings, UniSC scientists will share the latest research on sea turtle health in the Great Sandy Marine Park.

It is also an opportunity to find out more about the Turtles in Trouble volunteers and their work rescuing and rehabilitating sick, stranded and injured turtles, and how you can help.

The event will be held on 1 August, from 6-8pm,  at UniSC's Fraser Coast campus. Proceeds will go towards the new Fraser Coast Turtle Rehabilitation and Research Centre.

The exciting initiative will bring together UniSC researchers, Butchulla People, marine rescue volunteers and the community, to research and care for injured and sick turtles and return them safely to the sea.

Creating Waves event details 
August 1, 6pm start – 8pm 
UniSC Main Lecture Hall, Old Maryborough Road, Pialba 
Tickets $5. Bookings required
Part of the Hervey Bay Whale Festival

Creating Waves is proudly presented by Hervey Bay Whale Heritage Site Steering Committee, UniSC, and Fraser Coast Tourism and Events.