About Us
The Whitsundays Marine Conservation Inc. is a group of committed individuals who are concerned about the health and future of the marine environment in our region.
The program started in 2023 with Whales of the Whitsundays (WoW), after discussions at the Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee about the simultaneous increase in whale and boat numbers and threats from climate change.
At the inaugural steering committee meeting on 6 March 2023, a group of locals discussed the World Cetacean Alliance's Whale Heritage Area Program and how the Whitsundays could meet the four program criteria:
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Encouraging respectful human-cetacean coexistence
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Celebrating cetaceans
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Environmental, social and economic sustainability
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Research, education and awareness
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The Whitsundays was accepted as a candidate Whale Heritage Area on 26 January 2023 and officially designated as the Whitsundays Whale Heritage Area on 25 March 2024. In the first year of the project, the Whales of the Whitsundays started multiple events, had a large citizen science campaign, and brought about an awareness of the importance of our region for whales.
We are honoured to have such a unique and important location that serves as a safe-haven and nursery for many different marine species in our backyard and look forward continuing to raise awareness, ensure conservation, and advocate protection of cetaceans in the Whitsundays!
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Purpose
The Whales of the Whitsundays Steering Committee serves as a mobilising force to guide and drive activities required
to uphold accreditation as a Whale Heritage Area.
We aim to foster stewardship, awareness, and understanding of cetaceans and promote responsible interactions while highlighting the importance of citizen science.
Vision
Our vision is to celebrate cetaceans in local culture, arts and events, raise awareness of the species that call the Whitsundays home, raise awareness of the threats they face, advocate for their protection, and ensure the long-term conservation of cetaceans and their habitats.
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We also want to put the Whitsundays on the map as one of the most unique and important locations for humpback whales on the East Coast of Australia.
Photographed by Deb Duggan
Who we are
Olivia Brodhurst
President
Olivia is the President of Whitsunday Marine Conservation Inc. She is also employed part time as a Senior Consultant in Finty’s climate practice, is the Chair of the Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee, is a non-executive committee member of Whitsunday Conservation Council and sits n the Reef Restoration Adaptation Program, Stakeholder Engagement Advisory Panel. She works with organisations to build knowledge and understanding of climate change risks and opportunities and evaluate options for adjusting strategy and practices to improve sustainability and resilience. Olivia is recognised for her collaborative approach and her ability to understand the needs of the client and community, and wider stakeholder groups. Olivia draws on experience in climate science, project management, risk management and engagement.
Deanna Vierling
Secretary
Deanna is the secretary of Whitsunday Marine Conservation Inc., where she plays a key role in fostering citizen science, environmental awareness and community engagement. She is also the Secretary for the Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee. Deanna has a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology and has worked with the team at the Living Reef on Daydream Island, maintaining the aquarium facilities and running reef-focused tours and information sessions, including the living coral exhibit that is used to restore reefs around the island. For the past three years, Deanna has been actively involved in marine conservation in the Whitsundays through volunteer work, focusing on community education and engagement. She believes in empowering people with knowledge about our oceans and organisms and that stewardship is key to fostering a deeper sense of responsibility for protecting them. Whether through outreach programs, community events, or advocacy, she is committed to bridging the gap between scientific research and public awareness to create meaningful change for our marine ecosystems.