This presentation intends to evoke conversations around the strength of implementing the enriched Aboriginal philosophies of sharing ocean stories to assist Australia moving toward improving sustainability for the marine megafauna sentinels such as whales, sharks, dolphins, dugongs and turtles. The stories and sentinels play a significant role in many Cultural coastal communities around Australia and transitions must be undertaken to pave a way for a desired future of healthy well - being for the Earth and her people. At the forefront of sharing Cultural stories is a focus within the NSW South Coasts of how they play an important role in the development of sustainable economies. Offshore sustainable industries (such as wind) are just beginning in Australia, this is an exciting opportunity for history, culture, and researchers to influence how these emergent sustainable industries are developed and how they shape a sustainable future for both our ocean megafauna sentinels and the people of the coastline.
Within the Yuin and Dharawal nations marine megafauna like whales play a significant role in connecting communities. Our stories around marine sentinels teach us through weaving the past into the future the importance of the voice of sentinels, sustainability and working in partnership.