Perth

perth@seashepherd.org

Upcoming Events 2012:

Tuesday 7th February, 2011
FOREST RESCUE INFORMATION NIGHT - MC is Sea Shepherd Director Jeff Hansen

Forest Rescue made international news recently when 3 activists boarded a Japanese whaling ship off the coast of WA. Come along and hear their story, their plight to save our forests in the south west and their involvement with local conservationist Chris Phillips (who will also be there) from the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Rehabilitation Centre to save our cockatoos. This event will take place at the Fremantle Town Hall at 7pm. Entry - gold coin donation.

Please note we now have a new chapter in the Greater Southern area near Albany, if you are interested in joining this exciting new adventure please email australia@seashepherd.org

We are also looking for interested volunteers who want to get involved with local beach cleanups as well as work on some actions to create awareness for "shark-finning", please let us know if you'd like to start up or visit the volunteer section of our website.

Past Events:
(most recent events first)

Thank you Perth and Fremantle

Sea Shepherd would like to say a big "Thank You" to the people of Perth and Fremantle for the generous amounts of wonderful food donations made to our crew on the M/V Steve Irwin and M/V Brigitte Bardot while it was docked in the area. Many individuals and local businesses filled their cars and trucks with much needed supplies for our crew.

There are 88 Volunteer crew onboard all three of our vessels and we are very grateful to the people of Perth and Fremantle to have three cooked meals a day to keep them going while in the Southern ocean.

Thanks again to the people of Western Australia!

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November 12th, 2011
Captain Paul Watson, One Night Only

Thank you to the people of Perth!
 
Once again, Sea Shepherd would like to thank the people of Perth for helping us create another successful fundraiser!

As the event title suggested, we were lucky enough to have Captain Paul Watson in town for one night only to hear all about what the organisation has been up to this year as well as what's planned for Operation Divine Wind which is this summer's anti-whaling campaign in the southern oceans.

We made lots of new friends that night and also got the chance to catch up with some dear friends too - all of whom helped make the night so special. Thanks must go to Ian Campbell, James Lush, Wazza, Jo Vallentine, Liza Semler, Joe McRobbie, ControlControl and our own Jeff Hansen and Captain Paul himself.

If you would like to check out the photos from the event, please go to Liza Semler's web page, and follow these instructions:
www.lizasemler.smugmug.com
Client Gallery
Sea Shepherd
Case-sensitive Password: AstorShepherd

By Sea Shepherd Events Co-ordinator and on shore volunteer Lisa Rossi

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October 15th,2011
Sea Shepherd Perth clean up their Beaches

Sea Shepherd volunteers joined fellow conservationists in a major clean-up of Leighton Beach last weekend.

With clear skies overhead and a calm flat sea behind us as we sprawled all over the beach, picking up all kinds of rubbish that had been left there by careless beach go-ers. It's amazing what some people leave behind - clothing, bottles, rope, you name it - we found it! We even met 'Mark' (see photo below) who had just been out for a surf with his Sea Shepherd-design surfboard. If anyone is thinking of buying one, rest assured it makes an incredible statement and got our attention from a substantial distance away.

A big thank you to all the volunteers who came and helped! We will be getting involved in more beach cleanups in the future so please contact the Perth Chapter - perth@seashepherd.org -  if you would like to be kept informed of future activities such as this.
By Sea Shepherd Events Co-ordinator and on shore volunteer Lisa Rossi

June 15th, 2011
Sea Shepherd gets baked with Steve Ignorant, co-founder of Crass

Steve Ignorant’s performance at The Bakery in Northbridge was one of those memorable nights that will leave an impression for years to come. The CRASS co-founder was here on his first ever trip to Perth, and in the midst of all his adoring fans there we were, the representatives of Sea Shepherd’s Fremantle Chapter, enjoying an amazing night by one of punk’s most legendary performers.

Totally unpretentious and approachable, Steve seemed just as happy to have Sea Shepherd at the event as we were to be meeting one of the greatest musicians of our time. We were all in awe of the fact that “we” were getting up close to one of the great influences of the 70’s punk movement!

As Steve and his band played to a captivated crowd of both old and new fans, what resonated with us was how relevant his ‘anti-establishment lyrics’ still are today, nearly 40 years since punk began. Speaking out and challenging the world around him are principles we should all take heed of.

So as we pondered the significance of punk and our brush with fame and all the incredible support we received from the concert go-ers that night, we all went home with huge smiles on our faces…and also picked up some nice donations for the Oceans at the same time.

 May 27th, 2011
Sea Shepherd gets Punk'd with Frenzal Rhomb

Punk rockers Frenzal Rhomb set the Rosemount Hotel alive on May 27th, and members of the Perth Chapter were on hand to lend their support. This legendary band has been around since the early 90's and have a cult following, many of whom were trying desperately on the night to secure tickets to the sold-out concert, even trying to engage us Shepherds to help track down tickets. Sadly, we weren't much help.

As with many of the bands we support, we have as much fun as the patrons, meeting the band members, chatting with the fans and of course, spreading the word about our campaigns and selling merchandise. And FR's gig was no exception with all of us enjoying the music, the interaction with the bands and the public.

As you can see here, Grace and newcomer Casey are sharing a special moment with FR's Lindsay McDougall, while the photographer watches on jealously. If there's one thing that can be said about FR it's that they are super cool and super nice (aagh, does this sound a tad too "un"cool?!).

Anyway, Sea Shepherd would like to send a big thank you to everyone in Frenzal Rhomb for inviting us to be part of their night. You guys rock!!!

April 30th, 2011
Art for the Ocean exhibition

Our inaugural fundraiser, Art for the Ocean which was held at the Fremantle Prison was a great success with over $40,000 raised! 

For just over 3 hours 300 guests enjoyed canapes and refreshments as they bid on art and swayed and rocked to the sounds of Seth 'Squid' Lowe, A Beggars Second and the great man himself, John Butler. It was an incredible atmosphere as supporters, artists, and members of the public came together for a common cause: to support Sea Shepherd's efforts in working towards protecting marine ecosystems and the biodiversity of our oceans.

The night was full of highlights. Reece Whitby did an amazing job as MC and the Gypsea team drew lots of attention as they sold raffle tickets dressed in specially designed Sea Shepherd swimwear. Australian Director Jeff Hansen shared insights into our most recent Antarctic campaign and updated everyone on what’s next for Sea Shepherd in terms of campaigns and activities. The climax of the night was definitely the live auction whereby Peter Lawrance revved the crowd as enthusiastic bidders bought unique items such as a carved surfboard titled, Manaia, a seahorse sculpture made from driftwood, original art and several one-off pieces of Sea Shepherd memorabilia. With such an incredible mix of energy in the room, it was no wonder that every one of the fifty donated artworks sold in the silent auction. 

A night like this would not have been made possible without the many people, donors, sponsors and service providers who gave their time, energy and effort to this event. Sea Shepherd would like to extend a very big thank you to everyone for their support! And yes, as we mentioned in the opening line above, we aim to do it all again next year!

Check out the Art for the Ocean website for more photos.

Photographs: Mark Griffin of Jacaranda Photography

January 28th, 2011
Paul Dempsey Gig - Fly by Night Club

January has seen a stack of talent stream through WA already, with the wonderful Paul Dempsey the latest Australian musician to head West to entertain us. For anyone scratching their heads, he's the frontman for the band, 'Something for Kate'. While our opinion of him was already high, it was elevated even further after being given the opportunity to have a presence at his gig at the Fly By Night Club. Paul was incredibly open to us being there and came over and had a chat to us before the event kicked off. Oh okay, yes there were also photos involved!

If anyone has heard Paul sing and play you will know what a treat it is to hear him live! As he switched between guitars and sang one song after another, we were in awe of his energy and commitment - it was a steaming hot night with the venue feeling more like a sauna as the night wore on. But hey, we were not complaining!! What a great crowd it was with lots of people more than willing to come up and have a chat to us and generously place donations in our tins. This is really what makes an event like this so special - you never know who you will meet.

Paul was a fantastic host and even gave us plugs during the night with a special "order" for everyone to come and see us before they left. Aaagggh, what a great bit of profiling for Sea Shepherd! Thanks Paul! And thank you to everyone who stopped by to say Hi.

If any of you have a great idea for an event we should be involved with, please contact us at perth@seashepherd.org We are always on the lookout for opportunities.

January 1st, 2011
New Years Day Concert - Fremantle Arts Centre

What better start to 2011 than experiencing the legendary Xavier Rudd live on New Years Day?!

Fremantle Arts Centre was the perfect backdrop for this legendary musician as he wowed the crowd with his talents - guitar, harmonica, drums, oh...and make that two dijideridoos being played at once! His presence was mesmerising as Mal, Grace, Jeff and Lisa all swayed and jigged to the sounds and words that have become his trademark.

Our stall received a lot of intention from the many like-minded supporters in the crowd. Especially the Sea Shepherd stubby holders that seemed to be a welcome relief for many trying to keep their beloved drinks cold on the balmy night.

And of course, we didn't pass up on the opportunity to meet the man himself. What an absolute treat that was. Check out the photo Mal making the most of his meeting with Xavier. Whoo-hoo!!!

November 1st, 2010
Operation No Compromise Launch - Fremantle Town Hall

Once again, the City of Fremantle gave an incredible welcome to Captain Paul Watson and the crew of the MV Steve Irwin at Sea Shepherd's annual fundraiser, held at the Fremantle Town Hall on 3rd November.

Speaking to a crowd of approximately 350 members of the public, Captain Watson launched "Operation No Compromise", giving updates on the successes of the past year and sharing insights on the upcoming campaign.

Joined by Mayor, Brad Pettit, Greens Senator, Rachel Siewart and ABC radio announcer James Lush, the event was a great success, achieving an all-time record for Perth! It was of course, the result of the collective efforts of a bunch of volunteers who put in an incredible effort in to pulling the event together.

One of the best parts of the night was the special commendation that Louis received for all the amazing work he puts in as the volunteer coordinator for our Chapter. Well done Louis!

Extra special thanks must also go to Michael Brown, Mark Griffin, Peter Stone and Beatrice Masia for all their efforts in helping make the event such a memorable one.

August 29th, 2010
City to Surf Walk

On August the 29th Liza Dicks, Paul Livesy, Amanda Dwyer, Matt Eddy and myself Georgie Dicks (four Perth Sea Shepherd supporters) entered into the 12km City To Surf walk. Unfortunately, Britta Jansen who was also part of the team, could not walk on the day due to illness.

We held the Jolly Roger flag high with whale, dolphin, shark and pirate balloons flying above our heads.

Together we raised nearly $3,000 over a number of weeks (via the Active Everyday Hero website) prior to completing the walk.
Mum (Liza) thought it would be a great idea for Sea Shepherd to enter into the walk to not only raise money but awareness. It was a beautiful sunny day with record number of entrants and a great atmosphere along our walk in which many people shouted "Go Sea Shepherd!" and "Love What You're Doing!"

This re-enforced our beliefs that Sea Shepherd is seen to many as a fantastic non-profit organisation that really does take a strong stance for ocean conservation and preservation. The City To Surf is a great idea for Sea Shepherd, especially here in Perth as we can get ourselves noticed and get people involved in saving majestic whales, playful and intelligent dolphins, misunderstood sharks and fish on the brink of collapse. The time is now, we must act quickly to stop the collapse of multiple oceanic ecosystems and mass species extinction.

We hope to get more and more Sea Shepherd supporters to partake in the annual City To Surf walking event and to hold our flag high and walk proud. If we have more walkers think about how much awareness we can raise.

So next year we shall see you at the start line!

August 15th, 2010
Green Machine shows support for the Whales

Sea Shepherd Fremantle Chapter had a stall at the Perth boat show on the weekend of August 14th. The stall was organised by Fremantle volunteer Lisa Rossi and manned by many passionate ground supporters. Sea Shepherd received a lot of support and best wishes from the crowd attending the event, including from local hero Danny Green. Danny was a WBA Super Middleweight World Champion, Lightweight World Champion and current Crusier Weight World Champion. Healso represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games and Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Turns out that Perth Volunteer and Ships Communication Officer Omar Todd, who was also present on the day, went to school with Danny Green. Omar invited Danny to come to the stall and has offered Danny a VIP tour of the Steve Irwin when it arrives in Fremantle later this year. Danny expressed his support for the work Sea Shepherd does in defending the great whales and oceans for the benefit of our future generations.

December 6th, 2009
Operation Waltzing Matilda launch party

Prior to the departure of the Steve Irwin before it commenced ‘Operation Waltzing Matilda’, Captain Paul Watson and his crew attended a special event held in their honour at the magnificent WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle.

The invitation-only cocktail event not only provided the opportunity for us to thank some of our key supporters, but it also allowed members from the local community with the chance to meet the people who work behind-the-scenes of our organisation.

In a wonderful show of support for Sea Shepherd, Terri Irwin and her children Bindi and Robert made a special trip all the way from their home in Queensland to be part of the festivities. Also in attendance were the Mayor of Fremantle, The Honourable Brad Pettit and Kate House, as well as the International CEO of Sea Shepherd, Stephen Roest.

Master of Ceremonies, Sam Longley, led the official proceedings and did a fantastic job of revving up the crowd and entertaining them with his amusing anecdotes.

As could be expected, the Irwin’s were a big hit with guests, especially Bindi who entertained the crowd with her song about saving the whales.

But one of the most moving parts of the evening came when Len Collard performed the Welcome to Country. Len then joined Thomas Dimer, Bevan Wauhop and Glenn Louthean from SMYL Community Services in a special presentation of a whale rescue blade to Captain Watson who was evidently touched by the sentiment given to him on behalf of the local Aboriginal community.

And as always, Captain Watson himself was in true form as he captured the attention of the room with a passionate speech that was nothing short of inspirational. He shared stories of his journey with Sea Shepherd over the years and his hopes and expectations for a successful Antarctic campaign for 2009/2010.

The generosity of the people at the event resulted in a successful silent auction raising much-needed funds for Sea Shepherd and of course, creating many new friends who have pledged their support.

To everyone who was involved with the Launch Party, including our event sponsors, the WA Maritime Museum and Australia Zoo, we thank you for your support. This was truly an event that will live on in many people’s memories for some time to come!

March 27th, 2009
Mayor of Fremantle receives certificate of appreciation from Sea Shepherd

Sea Shepherd supporters in Perth met with the Mayor of Fremantle, Peter Tagliaferri, to present him with a certificate of appreciation from Captain Paul Watson for his role in helping to expel the Yushin Maru . 2 from Surabaya, Indonesia.

Captain Paul Watson had the following to say to Mayor Peter Tagliaferri:To Mayor Peter Tagliaferri:

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society appreciates the support of Mayor Peter Tagliaferri for contributing to the success of Operation Musashi, the Antarctic Whale Defense Campaign to shutdown illegal whaling operations in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.

Mayor Peter Tagliaferri was instrumental in expelling the outlaw whaler Yushin Maru . 2 from the Indonesian Port of Surabaya in East Java.

In addition, Mayor Peter Tagliaferri contributed to increasing public awareness of illegal Japanese Whaling activities in the waters off Antarctica.
Signed Captain Paul Watson
Master of the Steve Irwin

The certificate was printed on a piece of old chart paper from the bridge of the Steve Irwin. Mayor Peter Tagliaferri was very taken and overwhelmed by what he had received stating that: "I knew we had a window of opportunity and had to move fast. However, I did not do that much, as it's the crew of Sea Shepherd that are out there on the front line."

If it was not for Mayor Peter Tagliaferri, Ian Campbell and Senator Bob Brown, the Yushin Maru . 2 would have been repaired much sooner and more whales would have had their lives horrifically cut short. Their combined efforts left the ship out of commission for over a month.

Mayor Peter Tagliaferri even took it upon himself to reach out to the Mayor of Surabaya, detailing Australia's stance on the Japanese Whaling fleet.

The Perth chapter also presented the Mayor with framed pictures from previous Antarctic campaigns, including one where the Fremantle flag is at high mast on the Sea Shepherd ship with the Japanese whalers on the run.

June 6th, 2008
Sea Shepherd Perth Group Opens Augusta Whale Watching Season

Sea Shepherd's invitation to the opening of the Augusta whale watching season recognises the group's outstanding conservation efforts in the Southern Ocean Read about it here.

May 9th, 2008
The Deep Blue Sea Roots Show

On Friday the 9th of May 2008, Sea Shepherd volunteers in Perth hosted a benefit for Sea Shepherd. Read about it here.

Lightning Jack performs

November 23rd, 2007
Gold Coin Collection by Rochelle Vissers in Western Australia

People often ask us, "What can I do to help Sea Shepherd?" A young City Beach girl has proven you can never be too young to start saving the whales. Click here for the full report

Rochelle Vissers and her report on Sea Shepherd and Paul Watson

November, 1st-5th, 2007
Sea Shepherd Perth Hosts Captain Watsons Weekend Visit in Western Australia

Captain Watson, Jonny Vasic and Kristine Vasic visit Fremantle and Perth in Western Australia for several events and media interviews. Click here for the full report and more photos!

Whale watch sailboat the Windjammer displays the Sea Shepherd Jolly Roger Flag

Perth group works the stall at the Fremantle markets

August 10th, 2007
Pirate Party Fundraiser

On August 10th a group of students from the University of Western Australia organised a very successful Pirate Party fundraiser for Sea Shepherd. Click here for the full report and more photos!

Ivana, the girl who made it happen

Rowdy group of pirates partying

June 10th, 2007
Fremantle Market Table Event

From left: Gavin Storey, Paul McKie, Stephen Quayle (all new members) and Louis
Taken outside the Fremantle Markets at a recent Sunday tabling event

Claire French lends her support also

May 5th, 2007
May Day stall

Supporters Stephen Quale and Ian Martin hold an information stall for the May Day festival in Perth

Supporter Stephen Quale talks to interested festival participants

New supporter Marina joins the Perth group
to help with the information stall

October 2nd, 2006
Whale of an Event

Report by Fleur Shack

Sea Shepherd members and supporters were privileged to be part of The Cape Naturaliste Whale Festival, sponsored by the Department of Environment and Conservation, and The Natural Heritage Trust. The festival was held at the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse in Dunsborough, in the Shire of Busselton.

The event was put on to celebrate the yearly migration of humpbacks, southern rights, and blue whales, down the West Australian coast and around the capes. Guided tours were lead by local whale enthusiasts and marine specialists every half hour along the pretty walking tracks, to the whale lookout. Visitors stood quietly in awe, watching the regal humpbacks breaching and pec slapping.

Sea Shepherd volunteers ran a stall and handed out information to festival attendees. Sea Shepherd's Whale Defense Campaign video about Japan's unacceptable pursuit and slaughter of whales in the southern ocean sanctuary was screened at regular intervals throughout the day. Festival goers were visibly touched.

Special thanks must go to Liz McGuire who organized and promoted the festival. Liz is a Marine Education Officer for DEH. (The Dept of Environment and Conservation). Sincere thanks also to Heidi Taylor of Tangaroa Blue. Heidi is a renowned dive instructor, and marine conservationist, and Claire Underdown of the Geographe Bay Tourism Association, who assisted Liz and Heidi, with promoting this memorable event.

Thanks to everybody who attended and made this day such a success.

Cape Naturaliste whale festival in Dunsborough on October 2, 2006
l-r:Liz, Heidi and Sea Shepherd members, Fleur, Alice, Louis, Graeme and Jenifer!

Dolphin Day Protest, Perth

Report by Fleur Shack

Members from the Sea Shepherd Perth Group and PAWS attended the International Dolphin Day protest in front of the Japanese consulate in Perth.

About 20 activists from various groups were in attendance and handed out information about the annual Taiji dolphin slaughter, collected signatures for the petition against this senseless massacre and chanted slogans such as "Ocean justice, dolphins are sacred."

Protesters take to the streets

Fremantle

Report by Louis Bell, Co-Coordinator Perth/Fremantle Group

The Sea Shepherd Perth/Fremantle branch continues to build momentum. Our hard working volunteers have been holding stalls at markets and various environmental and whale festivals. We are a small but persistent bunch and continue to grow.

We are working hard to support the upcoming Whale Defense Campaign in the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary.

If you would like to get involved locally you can email perth@seashepherd.org

Volunteers spread the Sea Shepherd message

August 27th, 2006
An Evening with Sea Shepherd

Mr. Peter Payne, owner of La Tropicana Cafe 177 High Street Fremantle, generously hosted a gathering of over 50 Sea Shepherd supporters on Sunday night for the Australian Premiere of Sea Shepherd's Antarctic Whale Defense Campaign Video. In attendance notably was Jon Strachan of the Fremantle Council. Introducing Jonny Vasic, Sea Shepherd's International Director, was Nichola Paris of Senator Rachel Siewerts Office.

Mr. Vasic's presentation included a personal account of the incident during last years Anti-Sealing Campaign where 11 Sea Shepherd Crew members we arrested. As a result of what he heard and saw during the course of the evening Sea Shepherd is proud to include Peter Payne on a quickly growing list of new members as support for Sea Shepherd rapidly grows in West Australia. In addition to free vegetarian refreshments the attendees enjoyed a raffle organized by Ian Martin of The Big Issue.

One of the Coordinators of the Sea Shepherd Perth Group, Ms Jenifer Gibson, has been accepted as a crew member on the upcoming Whale Defense Campaign. The Farley Mowat and her new sister ship, the Leviathan will depart Melbourne in early December to defend the whales of Antarctica.

Jonny Vasic meeting supporters

Audience gathering for a Sea Shepherd evening

February 2006

Although we only formed in mid February, the Perth branch of SSCS in Western Australia has been very active in fundraising and outreach activities. We have been concentrating on making our presence known at environmental festivals and local markets as well as assisting the Farley Mowat crew in getting information on berthing facilities in Perth, in the event the ship has need of our strategically located port.

Our hard working volunteers Richard Mann and Jenifer Gibson manning our booth at an environmental festival

Kala Bell

Jenifer, Louis and Fleur at a local tabling event

Lure Restaurant  joins the fight to save Australia’s Tuna Chris Willis, General Manager The Coro Hotel/Lure Seafood Restaurant  has agreed to remove SBT from the menus out of good ethics and has offered to work cohesively with Sea Shepherd in the future. Click here to read more