Introducing Whyalla's first-ever 'Cuttlefish Concierge'
A Whyalla local is helping visitors dive deeper into the Giant Australian Cuttlefish migration, while helping them make the most of their stay in our great city.
Every winter, Whyalla becomes a global destination for cuttlefish to gather in the shallow waters of the Upper Spencer Gulf for their annual breeding aggregation – a spectacular natural phenomenon that draws divers, snorkelers, tourists and photographers from around the world.
This year, Whyalla City Council and Santos are improving the experience through the introduction of a new initiative – the Cuttlefish Concierge. The concierge role will be taken on by well-known local diver and cuttlefish advocate Carlo Possagno, who brings decades of diving experience and enthusiasm to the position.
Carlo will be based at the Point Lowly dive site throughout the peak viewing period, offering visitors a warm welcome, answering questions and sharing fun facts and knowledge.
“I’ve been diving with these incredible creatures for years and it’s something I look forward to every single season,” Carlo said.
“People are always fascinated by the cuttlefish, but what really surprises them is how intelligent and curious they are. I love being able to share their story – from when we used to catch them, to now where we protect and celebrate them as part of our national heritage.
“It’s great to see visitors learning about them before they dive in – so when they see them in the water, they understand what they’re looking at. I can’t wait to meet new faces, reconnect with old ones, and even chat with some of the world-class photographers who come here to capture it all.”
The Cuttlefish Concierge will not only improve the visitor experience but also promote tourism by encouraging longer stays and better engagement.
“This initiative brings a personal, authentic touch to Whyalla’s tourism offering,” said Jenny Barnes, council’s Events and Tourism Lead.
“The concierge offers a personal, on-the-ground welcome that adds to the visitor experience. Carlo's presence brings a friendly face, a wealth of knowledge, and enthusiasm that showcases what we have here in Whyalla.”
Kevin Gallagher, Santos Managing Director and CEO said having a dedicated expert on site would help protect the cuttlefish and safeguard their natural environment.
“We are passionate about giving back to the communities in which we operate and investing in programs like this can make a real difference,”
“A cuttlefish concierge will help strike the right balance between attracting tourists to the region and protecting the cuttlefish, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come and that coexistence is what we’re all about,”
The Cuttlefish Concierge is a collaborative partnership between Whyalla City Council and Santos. The pilot program is part of a broader effort to engage the community in the cuttlefish journey while leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
Fun Facts:
- The Giant Australian Cuttlefish aggregation is the only known event of its kind in the world.
- It occurs annually from May to August near Point Lowly, just outside Whyalla.
- Visitors can dive or snorkel to witness thousands of cuttlefish in action.
- The Cuttlefish Concierge will be onsite during key visitation periods.
- One of Carlo’s underwater photographs welcomes travellers on the road to the dive site.
