Made by Serif
© 2010 Ocean & Coastal Care Initiatives
© 2007 Ocean & Coastal Care Initiatives
Whale Dreamers Festival
In 2006 four local women decided the Central Coast community needed an opportunity
to celebrate the whales. Bands and guest speakers where invited and whale and marine
oriented displays were encouraged from community groups. Sponsored by OCCI, but with
a very modest budget, a small crowd turned out in not-
Entertainment on ‘center stage’
This year, with a change of venue to Norah Head and much more support from the local business community and Council, over 2,000 people turned out to participate in the many aspects offered at the event.
Norah head lighthouse provided a great backdrop for the day.
The day was officially opened by Cnr Ron Stevens, with all the sound requirements provided by the Brackets ‘n’ Jam volunteers. Local whale expert, Jeannie Lawson, who this year celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Council Headland Whale Watching Talks, was on hand to help people spot the whales and answer questions about them. Dr Goodvibe was the headlining band with the In Rhythm drum group creating a real vibe. Guest speakers included Roberta Dixon, from Marine Coastal Community Network, and Patricia Athena, renowned organiser of the International Whale & Dolphin Conference. The Marine Discovery Centre provided the sausage sizzle but were caught out by the huge numbers of people who turned out, that none of us were quite expecting.
Children at play at the OCCI whale crafts table.
Australian Seabird Rescue, Fishcare, Whalecall and Australian Conservation Foundation were also on hand to distribute information about our marine environment, and there was also dance and meditation segments in the program.
Curious minds exploring the OCCI marine life touch table.
The success of this year’s event will ensure that it becomes part of the annual Central Coast calendar, and OCCI can be proud to have assisted in the establishment of this community environmental education festival.
Photos by Peter Adderley
