It was with great excitement the team from Blue Whale Study received news they had been successful in securing funding for the Marine Science Youth Mentoring Program which aims to mentor young science students in marine research.

With thanks to funding from the Isobel and David Jones Foundation (facilitated by South West Community Foundation) the program is set to continue for the 2016/17 blue whale season.

‘This is a terrific start to our fundraising for this program.  We have been running the program for three years but unfortunately could not run it this year as funding dried up.  It is a great boost to have the program up and running again and we shall be making it a priority to secure the remaining funds required to make the program a total success.’ said Dr. Gill.

‘We thank both the South West Community Foundation and the Isobel and David Jones Foundation whose support is a greatly appreciated. The Researching the Blues program is based in Portland and students will be taken out to sea to learn about marine science research, seamanship skills and blue whales.’ 

South West Community Foundation Executive Officer, Karen Norris, indicated delight that the Foundation could faciltiate this funding.  “The Foundation supported 42 projects in our annual  granting round with a great diversity of projects including the Blue Whale Study”. 

Blue Whales are listed as Endangered and the Blue Whale Study, based in Victoria, is a charitable organisation led by Dr. Peter Gill, dedicated to the research and conservation of these elusive creatures.  The mentoring program is a very popular activity for students and involves teachers, students, parents, friends and broader community.  ‘This is an important community engagement activity to inform people of the blue whales which visit our region annually’.

Media Contact Details:

Dr. Peter Gill
CEO/Senior Research Scientist
Blue Whale Study
C/- Post Office
Narrawong Vic 3285
Ph:  03 55 295207
Mb: 0409147875
Email: pete@bluewhalestudy.org

Ms. Louise Sheba
Administration Manager
Volunteer Committee Member
Blue Whale Study Inc.
Mob. 0409 505 686
Email: louise@sheba.net.au
Web www.bluewhalestudy.org

June 7, 2016
Ms. Louise Sheba, Dr. Peter Gill