Return to K’gari premieres at the Hervey Bay Whale Festival 2023!

Screening at the Hervey Bay Regional Art Gallery as part of the Whale Festival on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August, Return to K’gari is a film about hope and the migration of the humpback whales.

Weaving the Butchulla’s K’gari creation story through the narrative of the history of the Pacific Whale Foundation’s research efforts in the region and the unique opportunity K’gari offers the humpback whales to rest and rejuvenate in the calm, protected waters of Platypus Bay, Return to K’gari promotes a sense of history, place and purpose.

The film’s Director, Selket Kaufman, based in Hawaii, works for the Pacific Whale Foundation to promote protecting the ocean through science and advocacy and inspiring environmental stewardship. 

Pacific Whale Foundation Australia’s Director, Mr Andrew Ellis said: “I am very proud and excited to share this film, which respects and celebrates local traditional owners, the creation story, our natural environment and, of course, the beautiful whales which grace us with their presence in Hervey Bay from June to October every year.”

“Pacific Whale Foundation research focuses on the long-term survival of the whales, and we offer information to our onboard guests about the steps that we can personally take to reduce the threats posed by human activities.”

Pacific Whale Foundation Eco Adventures Australia operates whale watching tours out of Hervey Bay in an effort to support and provide funding for Pacific Whale Foundation Australia’s research projects.

The Pacific Whale Foundation developed long-term, non-invasive studies examining this population of humpback whales, where they migrate and how they use Australia’s eastern coastline.

Hervey Bay, a world heritage site for the protection of whales, was noted as one of the most ideal locations situated along Australia’s east coast for humpback observation and photo ID research because whales stop to rest during their long migration between the Great Barrier Reef and Antarctic waters.

Return to K’gari features local identities, traditional owners, tour operators, long-time champions of whale conservation and passionate researchers and environmental advocates.