Ocean in Crisis: Urgent Community Forum

The algal bloom and resulting mass death of marine life that is washing up on South Australian beaches is nothing short of an environmental disaster. 

Join us for an urgent community forum to learn about what you can do to push all levels of government to take this crisis seriously. 

When: 6pm, Tuesday 15th July

Where: Brighton and Seacliff Yacht Club, 246 Esplanade, Seacliff

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young will be joined by:

• Dr Faith Coleman: has worked in salty, swampy, muddy habitats and mixing zones between seawater and practically everything else for almost thirty years, following the footsteps of both her parents. Much of this work has involved collaborating with salt field and coastal lagoon managers around Australia and the world, carefully balancing the microbiology of these ecosystems to improve water clarity, prevent hazardous blooms, maximise salt quality, and restore fisheries potential. She sits on the Board of the International Society for Salt Lake Research and is co-founder of the Coorong Environmental Trust.

• Stefan Andrews: is a marine scientist, filmmaker and cofounder of the Great Southern Reef Foundation, a charity working to raise the profile and long term protection of the temperate reefs that fringe southern Australia. The Foundation supports the communication of research, implements educational programs, and curates storytelling that celebrates the unique marine life and builds local stewardship. As Creative Director, Stefan leads visual communications and impact campaigns, helping to bring kelp forests and coastal communities into the national conversation. His award-winning short documentaries have screened internationally and are grounded in science, but told through the lens of people living and working along the reef.

• Asher Dezsery: is the Executive Officer of Recfish SA, with a rich background across recreational and professional fishing, aquaculture, and marine conservation. His hands-on experience spans WA’s pearl farming industry, SA’s professional lobster fleet, native fish breeding, and commercial barramundi and cod husbandry. Asher has also managed large-scale land care and ecosystem restoration projects across South Australia through NGO work. A passionate communicator, he’s contributed to fishing magazines, boat shows, and the wholesale tackle industry—always eager to share his knowledge and promote sustainable fishing for the benefit of the wider community.

• Uncle Bunna Lawrie: is a respected Mirning Elder, Whaledreamer, songman, and storyteller, deeply connected to the land and sea of the Great Australian Bight. Born along the Nullarbor and raised in the Mirning traditions, he has dedicated his life to sharing the cultural wisdom of his people and protecting their sacred sea country. As the front man of the iconic band Coloured Stone, Bunna brought Indigenous stories and issues to mainstream audiences. In recent years, he has become a leading voice in the Fight for the Bight, using his spiritual connection to the whale—his people’s totem—to campaign against offshore oil and gas exploration. Through story, song, and activism, Uncle Bunna continues to inspire new generations to respect and protect Country, and to seek World Heritage recognition for this irreplaceable ecosystem.