Sunshine Coast | Sea Shepherd Ocean Defence Tour 2026

Ocean Defence Tour 2026: Voices from the Frontline

Join Sea Shepherd Sunshine Coast for an unforgettable evening of conservation, storytelling, entertainment and community at our flagship annual fundraising event.

Be among the first—and only—audience on the Sunshine Coast to experience the exclusive premiere of Before The Last Octopus, Sea Shepherd's powerful new documentary uncovering the story behind the Octopus Campaign and the fight to protect some of our most vulnerable marine ecosystems.

This one-night-only screening is available exclusively at Ocean Defence Tour 2026.

Following the premiere, hear directly from Dirk Holman, Sea Shepherd Australia's Threatened Species Researcher and Sea Lion Campaign Leader, as they share firsthand stories from the frontlines of marine conservation and the ongoing fight to protect our oceans.

Guests will enjoy live music from folk duo Banksya, a welcome drink and a selection of canapés on arrival, a fully stocked bar, exclusive campaign updates, merchandise, raffles and the opportunity to connect with fellow ocean defenders.

Whether you're a long-time supporter or discovering Sea Shepherd for the first time, this promises to be an inspiring evening celebrating the people, campaigns and communities working to protect our oceans.

Event Details

📅 Friday 25 September 2026
📍 Ocean View Function Room, Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club
🕕 Doors Open: 6:00pm

Early Bird Special first 30 tickets- SOLD OUT

Second Release- Next 20 tickets on special-SOLD OUT

Final Release now open

Every ticket purchased helps support Sea Shepherd's frontline campaigns to defend, conserve and protect our oceans.

Watch the Trailer

EXCLUSIVE SUNSHINE COAST PREMIERE

BEFORE THE LAST OCTOPUS

ONE SCREENING. ONE NIGHT ONLY.

Dirk Holman

Dirk Holman is Sea Shepherd Australia's Threatened Species Researcher and Campaign Lead for the Australian Sea Lion Campaign. A marine scientist and conservationist, Dirk works at the intersection of research, advocacy and frontline conservation, focusing on the protection and recovery of some of Australia's most vulnerable marine species.

His work includes monitoring threatened marine wildlife populations, conducting field research, and collaborating with government agencies, scientists and community groups to address key conservation challenges facing Australia's oceans. Dirk has played a leading role in Sea Shepherd Australia's efforts to protect the endangered Australian sea lion, a species facing ongoing threats from fishing interactions, habitat degradation and marine pollution.

Passionate about evidence-based conservation, Dirk combines scientific research with public outreach and education to raise awareness of the issues impacting marine ecosystems. Through his work with Sea Shepherd, he helps drive campaigns that deliver practical conservation outcomes while inspiring communities to become active participants in protecting Australia's unique marine wildlife.

In the Mediterranean, the most overfished sea in the world, time is running out for octopuses. In Northern Greece, a group of international conservationists are working to combat the illegal trapping of these highly intelligent and often overlooked animals.

Sea Shepherd Global - a direct-action ocean conservation organisation, builds on its success in Italy, where illegal fishing was significantly reduced in Sicilian waters, to take on a new frontline.

Filmed over three months at sea, the documentary follows their efforts as they collaborate with local fishermen, scientists, and authorities. Facing relentless conditions, they haul tens of thousands of illegal traps from the depths.

Before The Last Octopus offers a rare glimpse into a hidden world, capturing both the urgency of environmental collapse and the extraordinary impact of collective action.