Gowings Whale Trust Announces Diggers camp Marine Research Station
Gowings Whale Trust has partnered with Ocean Warriors Australia, a division of Wildlife Recovery Australia, Southern Cross University, the National Marine Science Centre, and Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation, to establish the Diggers Camp Marine Research Station on the NSW North Coast.
Initiated several years ago, the Whale Trust involvement began when John’s wife found and rescued a seal pup.
Efforts to find suitable care for the animal lead them to Stephen Van Mil, the CEO of Wildlife Recovery Australia.
It was through this chance encounter that John was invited to tour the aquarium and facilities at Southern Cross University several years ago, laying the groundwork for the collaboration announced this week.
A PERMANENT RESEARCH ASSET
“When I saw the plot for sale, I immediately realised the potential it had to contribute to conservation and research,” commented John Gowing. “The original owners named it Clearview Cottage, and it’s very fitting. It’s bad luck to change the name of a boat, and I think in this instance we’ll keep the name of the building in the hope researchers seeking a clear view of the future are successful. We wish them the best of luck.”
Situated in a pristine stretch of the Mid North Coast, the station is intended as a permanent hub for:
• Whale conservation and migration monitoring
• Coastal ecosystem research and stewardship
• Marine wildlife rescue and rehabilitation support
• Sea Country-aligned environmental governance
• Community education, citizen science and youth pathways
Organising and sustaining research can be energy, capital and time intensive. It’s hoped a permanent facility reduces these hurdles, facilitating easier ongoing study and data collection. Establishing a hub on the Mid North Coast also provides a continual connection point for researchers based throughout Australia.
UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT
The location sits within the Solitary Islands Marine park, overlooking the warm East Australian Current mingling with cooler waters from the south. It’s a hotspot where tropical, subtropical and temperate marine life interact at the limits of their habitat, creating a fascinating environment for study.
At the announcement of the station to the press, Byron Gowing, representing the Gowings Whale Trust, was optimistic.
Footage courtesy of Nelson Patchett, Wildlife Recovery Australia
“We hope the facility will allow academics and scientists across disciplines and areas of interest to meet, share notes and collaborate. If we form a more holistic whole-of-sea understanding, we can do that much more to improve things.” He added,
“It’s an incredible part of New South Wales, and if nothing else, being immersed in the beauty of the region is a fantastic reminder to anyone working there of what it is they’re protecting.”
The centre is currently undergoing renovations for its new purpose. Once completed and ready, we’ll provide updates.