New marine field station to anchor whale conservation and student training on the NSW North Coast

Gowings Whale Trust is providing a peppercorn lease and capital upgrades on existing infrastructure, enabling the site to operate as a low-impact, fit-for-purpose hub. Ocean Warriors, a registered business of Wildlife Recovery Australia, is set to undertake site preparation, install monitoring infrastructure, and establish field, safety and public-access protocols.

Training students where the work happens

Southern Cross University's National Marine Science Centre has committed to contributing research design, data analysis, infrastructure access and student training to the project. For students at the Centre, the station offers direct work with animals in their habitat under field conditions alongside researchers and community partners. 

The pressure on native wildlife comes amidst a well-documented shortage of veterinary professionals across Australia, particularly in rural and regional areas. Southern Cross University’s Professor Rowland Cobbold, Discipline Chair of Veterinary Science, said field sites of this kind are fundamental to producing practice-ready graduates.

"Having field sites where students can see animals in their environment and work with them directly in that habitat is essential to how we train," Professor Cobbold said.  

"Our whole purpose is to make sure our graduates are practice ready - not just academically prepared, but capable of doing the work from day one." 

Expanded investment in the coastline's long-term future

The project's Indigenous partnership recognises the primacy of Traditional Owner authority over Yaegl Country. Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation spokesperson Nathan Brennan said his organisation's involvement reflects shared Sea Country priorities. 

"Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation acknowledges the Diggers Camp Marine Research Station is on Yaegl Country, and we respect Yaegl cultural authority for that place," Nathan said. 

Station is on Yaegl Country, and we respect Yaegl cultural authority for that place," Nathan said.  

"As a Gumbaynggirr organisation, we're interested in partnering on shared Sea Country priorities, including whale conservation, coastal monitoring, marine research and opportunities for young Aboriginal people." 

Gowings Whale Trust representative Byron Gowing said the project aligned with the Trust's commitment to marine conservation and regional environmental leadership. 

"This is an investment in the future of our coastline, our marine wildlife and our community," Byron said.  

"We believe the Diggers Camp Marine Research Station can become a nationally significant conservation and education asset that inspires collaboration, research and environmental stewardship for generations to come."