As someone who witnessed the harrowing beaching of 97 pilot whales at Cheynes beach last July, I am coming forward to invite serious and urgent change. As a whale holder/volunteer on the day i can testify that this tragic event was exacerbated by the lack of expertise, equipment and support available to us, underlining the dire need for specialized support for the massive whale hub that is Western Australia.

Our coast, which makes up half of all Australia's coast and is a migration trail and nursery waters for whales, desperately needs the expertise of the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA). With their knowledge, skills and suggestions, we could have possibly prevented the Cheynes beach slaughter.

Thus, the petition calls upon the Western Australia Government and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to invite and support an ORRCA base in Western Australia. By welcoming ORRCA and facilitating their operation in WA, we can ensure that towns that are the main whale hubs will have access to vital training workshops and the expertise to manage any future incidents.

In addition to inviting ORRCA, we also appeal to the government to provide the necessary safety and rescue equipment, as well as a place to store it. This material support is integral to swiftly and effectively respond to marine wildlife emergencies in future.

We cannot understate the importance of having specialized support for whales in an area as critical as Western Australia. Let's not wait for another disaster to happen. We are part of the whales' ecosystem; it's time we act like it. Please, sign the petition and demand that the Western Australia Government acts now.