Official Recognition: NSW Parliament Commends Custodians of the Ocean
In June, local MP Jacqui Scruby presented a Community Recognition Statement — an official acknowledgement read into the parliamentary record — celebrating the program’s contribution to ocean education, cultural connection, and community-led action. These statements recognise individuals and organisations making meaningful contributions to their local areas.
The Custodians of the Ocean program was co-created by Beata Edling and Pia Dorer (Studio Oi) and is delivered in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), St Luke’s Grammar Bayview, and local Indigenous leaders. A heartfelt thank you to DPIRD for allowing us to adapt their outstanding Marine Estate resources — the backbone of our curriculum.
We are also incredibly grateful to Peter Scott, Head of St Luke’s Bayview, and teacher Sarah Batten for their leadership and belief in the program, and to the passionate teachers and students across years 1, 3 and 5 who make each session so meaningful.
To our core Custodians of the Ocean team:
- Greg Pride, President, Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay
- Beata Edling and Pia Dorer, program co-creators
- Hieu Tran, media lead, Studio Oi
- Lara Gribbin, Freshwater High graduate, Sydney University conservation student, and internationally awarded ocean filmmaker — a powerful voice and video storytelling partner
- Abby Clarke, Year 9 Youth Ocean Ambassador, Northern Beaches Christian School
- Uncle Neil Evers, who generously delivers Welcome to Country and cultural knowledge at every event
To our guest speakers and supporters — Robbi Lascombe from Living Ocean, Jude Furniss from Surfrider Foundation, and Matt James for his deeply grounding didgeridoo performances — thank you for sharing your expertise and heart.
It takes a village to deliver a program of this depth and impact. This recognition from NSW Parliament is a shared honour — a reflection of what’s possible when community, culture, and conservation come together with purpose.
