Whale Weekend a HUGE success

Whale Weekend at the Discovery Centre was a huge success.  There was standing room only in the Theatrette on Friday night for Dave Donnelly's very informative presentation about the latest news in whale research.

This happy crowd just 'planted' their whale tails

Dave was joined by Kylie Owen who is about to start her PhD on a number of aspects of the humpback whale migration that has become such a huge part of the culture of the Sapphire Coast.  She wowed the crowd with video footage of the placement of high tech monitoring devices onto the backs of humpbacks and another giving the audience a close look at how these amazing creatures feed when in our region on the way to Antarctica.

Rick Walker was very proud of his scrimshaw sperm whale tooth

Saturday was a huge day, with loads of young families taking advantage of the free entry.  Many children happily coloured in whale tails for the Sea of Whale Tails, made their own 'scrimshaw' on plaster cast sperm whale teeth, and we're sure all of them spent time checking out the animals in the ever-popular touch tank.

Watch out for Whales during WHALE WEEKEND at the Discovery Centre

David Donnelly, Marine Wildlife Consultant

There'll be lots of things to see and do during WHALE WEEKEND at the Discovery Centre on 29th & 30th October.  Friday night will see well known Marine Wildlife Consultant David Donnelly telling us all about his amazing adventures researching many species of whales along the East Coast of Australia.  This will take place in the Discovery Centre Theatrette from 6pm. No bookings required, $5 per person entry.

www.marinemammalresearch.com at work

Entry will be FREE on Saturday, with loads of fun activities for all ages:  kids' tattoos, a Sea of Whale Tails courtesy of our friends from www.marinemammalresearch.com , scrimshawing sperm whale teeth ($5 per tooth), educational displays and activities.  This is the place to find out all about all the species of whales we find on the Sapphire Coast.  Have a look at the flyer for all the details or give us a call on 6496 1699 and we'll tell you all about it.

Great Aussie Road Trip visitors

SCMDC Marine Scientist Sheree Epe with the Power family on their ramble

The Power family from Lyneham in the ACT were our special guests last week as part of their Great Aussie Road Trip.  Jasmine, Jemma and little Teddy, along with parents Rachel and Greg and a few friends took part in a guided Rocky Shore Ramble with Sheree and Jade before touring the Discovery Centre.

The children especially enjoyed watching the octopus Matilda entertain them as well as many of the other exhibits. Read all about their trip to the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre here:
http://www.greataussieroadtrip.com.au/power-family/sapphire-coast-to-the-snowy-mountains/sapphire-coast-gem.html

Holiday Discovery Programs - join in and discover the Sapphire Coast!

Join our experienced Guides for a Holiday Discovery Program.  We run Rocky Shore Rambles and Guided Beach Walks - get a group of 4 or more together and take a stroll with someone who can teach you about the wonders we find on our beautiful shores.  Just call us on 6496 1699 to register your interest.  Just $5 for Adults, $2 for children and $12 for families.  Learning is lots of fun with the staff of Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre.

School Holidays are here again!

Our Discovery Centre Guides are ready to welcome your family during the September/October School Holidays.  Open 11am till 3pm from Wednesday to Saturday (29th September till 9th October), bring the family in to discovery the Sapphire Coast's marine world.  Touch tank, aquaria, whale room, research displays, DVD presentations, beachcombing table and more - it will keep the kids happy for hours!

A great turn out for the Offical Opening of the Eden Marine Laboratory

It seems that holding a function on polling day is a winner! We were impressed with the number of people that called in to witness the opening of our new lab and take a look around the Centre.

Professor Andrew Roberts, Director of the Research School of Earth Sciences at the Australian National University did the honours and officially opened our new marine science laboratory on 21 August 2010.

We had some other notable visitors including the Mayor of the Bega Valley Shire, Cr Tony Allen and Cr Russell Fitzpatrick who stopped by to show their support.

Many community members called in throughout the day to inspect our newest facility and take advantage of our open day to have a look at our unique exhibits and displays. Our little octopus delighted visitors with her shy antics and many visitors enjoyed the opportunity to touch and feel some local species in our touch tank.

Many thanks to the local tradespeople who helped in the construction and fitout of our lab and our wonderful volunteers for all of their hard work. Having this new facility will allow us to enhance our education programs and provide a working space for visiting researchers, schools and universities.

Professor Andrew Roberts (ANU), SCMDC Chairman Stan Soroka, Mayor Tony Allen and Cr Russell Fitzpatrick at the official opening of the Eden Marine Laboratory

The lab was established with support from The Ian Potter Foundation.

COME ALONG FOR OUR COMMUNITY OPEN DAY AND SEE OUR NEW LAB!!

As an initiative of National Science Week, we are going to open our new Marine Laboratory on Saturday 21st August (call in on the way home from the polling booth!).

As part of our celebrations, the Discovery Centre will be open from 9am - 3pm and admission will be FREE!  Click here for all the details.  Hope you can join us and check out our new lab!!!