Event shares the love of volunteering

MORE than 60 passionate marine volunteers from across Victoria gathered in Barwon Heads last month for the sixth Sharing the Love forum, a biennial event celebrating community action, collaboration, and care for the coast.

Hosted by Friends of the Bluff, the three-day gathering brought together citizen scientists, marine experts, and volunteer groups to share ideas, strengthen networks, and highlight the incredible volunteer efforts that help conserve Victoria’s marine environments.

The event began on October 24 with a Smoking ceremony and Welcome to Wadawurrung Country by Corinna Eccles.

The weekend featured inspiring talks, including Dr Michael Sams, Manager of Marine and Coastal Science and Programs at Parks Victoria, who shared insights from two decades of coastal monitoring and discovery in Victoria’s marine protected areas.

Holly Baird, from Friends of Beware Reef, also captivated the audience with stunning underwater photography and stories from her snorkeling adventures.

Volunteer-led workshops and field sessions invited participants to press algae for identification, search for sea slugs in rockpools for the annual Sea Slug Census, and learn how to assess the health of intertidal zones. Despite wet and windy weather, spirits stayed high – especially when colourful sea slugs were found.

One of the most memorable parts of the weekend was the sense of community it created. Between workshops and over delicious meals prepared by Feed Me Surf Coast, people who arrived as strangers quickly became friends, bonding over stories, laughter, and a shared passion for protecting Victoria’s marine environments.

The event was supported by Coastcare Victoria, Barwon Coast, and Parks Victoria, with Bellarine MP Alison Marchant attending to welcome visitors and acknowledge the vital role of volunteers in caring for marine environments.

Local artists Deb Fisher, Martin Bigmore, and Cassy Twomey also donated artwork for a raffle.

“Volunteering provides purpose for people’s passions,” organiser Jon Duthie said.