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Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer has heaped praise on organisers of Cuttlefest 2018 and tipped it will be a major event on the Whyalla calendar this year and beyond.
The City of Whyalla is a proud major sponsor of Cuttlefest 2018 which has kicked off Whyalla. It is the inaugural festival celebrating the globally unique and wild Australian Giant Cuttlefish aggregation.
A series of four Cuttlefest family-friendly events are being made possible through a partnership between the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board, Department for Environment and Water and Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries (EMS), with funding from the Whyalla City Council and support staff from Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula.
Picture: A snorkle diver gets a great view of the giant cuttlefish off the coast in Whyalla. Picture: carlcharter.com
Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer said the festival was yet another exciting development for the city as it continues to diversify its economy.
“Congratulations to all the people and departments involved in putting Cuttlefest 2018 together, it is a wonderful program of events and the efforts of all those involved are very much appreciated,” Mayor Breuer said.
“We couldn’t be more proud to be involved and a major sponsor of an event that is going to further put Whyalla on the map.
“Such an well-organised and event like this fits in so well with Council’s plans to diversify the economy, attract more people to our city and just continue to create a buzz about our great city.
“We’re already seeing the community get on board with our own youth group D’faces putting together a wonderful cuttlefish mosaic with a series of workshops.
“I’ve also heard there are already about 250 visitors booked in for dives to see these wonderful creatures … Cuttlefest is destined to become another major event on our calendar and one that puts Whyalla under people’s nose throughout Australia and the world.”
Marine Parks Regional Coordinator Dr. Shelley Paull hopes people enjoy the week long extravaganza, and take the time to celebrate all marine life off Eyre Peninsula.
“Cuttlefest is a great opportunity for locals to experience the environmental treasures in our own regional backyard,” Shelley said.
“Whyalla is rich in nature-based tourism opportunities, and Cuttlefest 2018 allows people to experience these opportunities a number of ways.
“People can choose to stay in the warmth of the Whyalla Library and experience the new interactive Pop-up Marine Discovery Centre from June 16 until July 6.
“Or if you are seeking a winter adventure then snorkelling or diving to witness the natural ‘colour show’ phenomena of the breeding giant cuttlefish in the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park might be more your style.
“Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries (EMS) is in town again hosting safe and supervised family snorkelling experiences.
“It’s a great opportunity if you have ever considered seeing the cuttlefish to join one of the Cuttlefest Community Guided Snorkels, because they have qualified guides, wetsuits and all gear included.
“This is the third year we’ve partnered with EMS to offer these popular guided snorkels and this year there are five days of snorkelling open to the public.
“All details, including bookings, are available online. Pre-booked school groups are also participating in the Cuttlefest snorkels. If your school would like to participate in 2019, you can contact us to register your interest.”
Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries is also hosting a free, limited ticket, Curious Cuttles information night at the Mount Laura Homestead Building on July 7, where local experts, researchers and artists will present the life and science of the Australian giant cuttlefish (Sepia apama).
Natural Resource Management Officer Barbara Murphy said the festival is a time to learn how to protect the marine environment.
“There will be a special screening of Blue the Film at the Middleback Arts Centre (July 4 at 7pm) which is a stunning marine life documentary,” Barb said.
“Come along and decide what everyday actions you can take to ensure our ocean is sustained for future generations. We are very thankful of the funding from Inspiring SA’s Regional Science Hub to host this event.
“Also if you are fascinated by prehistoric times and you like driving, I’d strongly encourage you to go on a self-guided journey to discover the stranded shingle ridges at Fitzgerald Bay.
“It’s just a 20 minute drive to see the geological feature unique to Whyalla and it really gets you thinking about climate and the marine environment.
“Just like their name suggests, these stranded shingle ridges were formed millions of years ago, when the sea levels were up to three metres higher than today and they’ve since become stranded high and dry, the result of Quaternary ice ages and ancient climatic events.”
CUTTLEFEST 2018 PROGRAM
Pop-up Marine Discovery Centre @ the Whyalla Library - June 16 until July 6
Guided Community Snorkels - Sat June 30; Sun July 1; Sat July 7; Sun July 8; Mon July 9.
Blue the Film @ the Middleback Arts Centre - July 4
Curious Cuttles event @ South Whyalla Football Club - July 7
For information and booking to all Cuttlefest 2018 events visit: www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/eyrepeninsula