SPEAKER EVENINGS

Throughout the year we host up to 4 speaker evenings which are open to anyone with a passion for both the natural and marine environment, both here and world-wide.

Speakers for 2026

Thursday 4 June 2026 Dr Rachel Cameron – Out of the Ice – Antartica and its lessons.

March 2026 – Shanyn Payne – Into the Blue – Free diving with Giants in the Ombai Strait.  

Previous Speakers:

Neil Blake OAM (Keeper of the Bay) – Neil Blake OAM (aka The Baykeeper). Neil was one of the founding members and first director of the St Kilda Eco-centre. He has worked in many roles and has always been a strong advocate for the marine and land environment. Neil gave a fascinating talk about the Health of the Bay.

Professor John Buckeridge –  Professor Emeritus in the Earth and Oceanic Systems Group at RMIT University and a Research Fellow at Museums Victoria, “Erosion – its processes, implications and long-term effects” and ‘Living on the Coast… a decision that can only be temporary.’

Simon Branigan – Marine Restoration Coordinator with the Nature Conservancy

Dr. Andrew Christie – lecturer in aquaculture and aquatic environmental management at Melbourne Polytechnic’s Epping campus.

Andy Foudoulis – is the Ozfish Senior Project Manager Victoria. Ozfish is an organisation that is involved in restoring shellfish reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests in both Port Philip and Westernport Bays. Andy is a lively and entertaining speaker who talked mainly about the reclaiming, washing and relocation of various shells to develop habitat for fish. Improved habitat means better fishing for fisher folk and healthier waterways.

Tania Ireton – Gould League member to talk about bird life of Ricketts Point.

David Lennon – Australasian contractor for the US “Reef Ball” system which constructed 6 recreational fishing reefs in Port Phillip.

Jane Mack – is the daughter of Bob Whiteway, the person who fought so hard to have a Marine Sanctuary at Ricketts Point. Bob was also the first president of Marine Care. Jane gave a wonderful talk about Bob’s achievements as a schoolteacher and passionate environmentalist.

Nicole Mertens – Reef Watch Project Officer, Victorian National Parks Association.

Ian O’Loughlin and David Reinhard – “Under the Sea at Ricketts Point”. Beaumaris Library.

Bert Parker – runs the Disabled Divers Association where people with all types of disabilities are assisted to get in the water to snorkel or scuba. For someone who is dependent on a wheelchair, being weightless in the water, being able to use your hands to move around, and being in the underwater world is a wonderful experience. DDA gives access to beach wheelchairs

David Reinhard – Professional Underwater Photographer.

Mark Rodrigue – Statewide leader for Marine and Coasts with Parks Victoria discussing the opportunities and challenges for Port Phillip’s Marine Protected Areas.

Elley Thomas – member of Bayside City Council discussing the council’s plans for the Bayside foreshore.

Lindsay Trott – graduate in Microbiology and Biochemistry at Monash University speaking of the importance and values of mangroves.

Bette Willis – Emeritus Professor speaking on the health of coral reefs in changing times.

Victorian Fisheries Authority – informing all of the Fishing regulations and how offenders are managed.