
AMBASSADORS
Meet the Ambassadors of Ocean Lovers Festival. These individuals are truly making a positive impact in the ocean conservation space, their dedication and passion is truly inspiring.
VALERIE TAYLOR
OCEAN LOVERS FESTIVAL PATRON
Conservationist | Photographer | Filmmaker
For over 60 years, Valerie Taylor has documented the marine world, sharing its wonders and tirelessly advocating for ocean protection. A pioneering underwater filmmaker, shark researcher, and conservationist, she played a key role in securing Australia’s first marine parks and led the campaign to protect the Grey Nurse Shark—the first shark species to receive legal protection.
Despite her work on Jaws (1975) contributing to widespread fear of sharks, Valerie has since dedicated her life to correcting misconceptions, advocating for their protection, and inspiring a global movement for ocean conservation. As Patron of the Ocean Lovers Festival, she continues to be a powerful voice for the future of our blue planet.

DR VANESSA PIROTTA
Marine Scientist | Science Communicator
Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a marine scientist, science communicator, and proud woman in STEM, passionate about protecting marine life and inspiring ocean stewardship through research and storytelling.
She holds a PhD from Macquarie University, where her research explored innovative ways to study and safeguard whales. Vanessa is best known for pioneering the use of drones to collect whale blow or “whale snot”, providing a world-first, non-invasive window into the health of these ocean giants.
Her work combines cutting-edge technology with marine conservation, helping scientists better understand how to protect whales in a changing ocean.
A recognised voice in Australian science, Vanessa regularly appears in the media, speaks at schools and community events, and is an advocate for women in STEM. She uses her platform to make marine science engaging and accessible, inspiring others to care for the blue heart of our planet.
As an Ocean Lovers Festival Ambassador, Vanessa brings her expertise and infectious enthusiasm to connect people with the science that’s shaping a healthier future for our oceans.

BRENDA MILEY
Women's Surfing Pioneer | Community Champion | Ocean Lover
Brenda Miley caught her first wave at three years old on her dad’s back — and never looked back. That moment sparked a lifelong love of the ocean, taking her from Bondi’s beach breaks to the forefront of Australian surf culture.
Starting out teaching surf lessons from a van, she founded Let’s Go Surfing in 1995, now one of Australia’s most iconic and inclusive surf schools. A trailblazer for women in the waves, Brenda also leads the Bondi Girls Surfriders Club, empowering generations of female surfers.
Honoured as a Lifetime Member of Surfing NSW, inducted into the Australian Surfers Walk of Fame (2023), and celebrated with a Bondi Beach Local Legends plaque (2024), she continues to inspire through mentoring and sustainable surf practices - changing lives, one wave at a time.
As an Ocean Lovers Festival Ambassador, Brenda celebrates the waves, the community, and a life shaped by saltwater.

LISA BLAIR
World-Record Sailor | Climate Action Campaigner
Lisa Blair is an Australian adventurer, author, and multi world-record-holding solo sailor. She holds the record the fastest unassisted non stop solo circumnavigation of Antarctica. She also holds records for the fastest solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of Australia and New Zealand. Lisa is a fierce supporter of climate action with her boat aptly named ‘Climate Action Now’. She is also the Boating Industry Associations Sustainability Ambassador.
She frequently presents and showcases her work at Ocean Lovers Festival and is an active member of our educational program.

KAL GLANZNIG
About
Kal Glanznig is one of Australia’s leading youth ocean and climate champions. His advocacy successes have made him a sought-after speaker, including appearances at TEDx and the United Nations Climate Change COPs. Kal led a $100,000, 100kW solar panel project while in high school, inspiring over 20 schools to follow suit. He co-founded Plastic Free Cronulla in 2019, spearheading a movement that helped secure a legislative ban on single-use plastics, and co-created the Blue Minds program to empower young Australians to tackle eco-anxiety and become ocean leaders. Kal was named Sutherland Shire Young Australian of the Year 2020 and Environmental Citizen of the Year 2023. An accomplished aquatic athlete, Kal represented Australia at the Youth World Water Polo Championships and was recently elected as the youngest independent Councillor in the Sutherland Shire.
Storyteller | Educator | Councillor
IMAGE CREDIT: Jarryd Biviano

JESSICA LANE
Miss Earth 2024 | Environmental Ambassador | Ocean Advocate
Jessica is a passionate environmental ambassador and lifelong advocate for Mother Nature. The ocean has always been her sanctuary, a place to connect, reflect, and be inspired to protect our planet.
A leading voice in the global environmental community, she serves as an ambassador for the Nets Out Now movement, campaigning to remove harmful shark nets from Australian beaches and safeguard marine life. A staunch advocate for animal rights, Jessica works tirelessly to protect vulnerable ocean species.
As an environmental journalist, she uses her platform to share stories on sustainability, conservation, and the vital connection between people and planet, inspiring others to take meaningful action.

JASON IGGLEDEN
DroneShark App
Jason, founder of DroneShark, has been monitoring Bondi, Bronte, and Tamarama beaches since 2018 using drone technology to capture the magic of Sydney’s coastal waters. Over the years, he’s documented an incredible array of marine life in our local blue backyard, from Alex the seal, Norman and Nelly the grey nurse sharks, and Homer the hammerhead, to Raymond the ray, migrating whales, and playful dolphins.
Through his lens, Jason brings the ocean to life, offering a unique perspective on the creatures that share our shores. His mission is to connect people to the marine world by showcasing the beauty and wonder of everyday encounters between beachgoers and these beloved ocean residents.
As an Ocean Lovers Festival Ambassador, Jason continues to inspire curiosity, respect, and stewardship for the sea we all call home.

SOPHIA SKARPARIS
About
Sophia, aka PlasticFreeSophia, is a youth change-maker combating plastic pollution. Inspired by her Australian upbringing, at 14 years old she mobilised and collected 12,000+ signatures to ban plastic bags in New South Wales. Sophia's grassroots efforts led to successful legislation, earning recognition fromorganisations like Surfrider Australia and Australian Geographic. Awarding her the Australian Geographic Young Conservationist 2018-19 award by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Beyond advocacy, she integrates eco-conscious practices into daily life, fostering change in school and sports communities. Sophia believes in the power of education and a deep connection to nature, emphasising our collective ability to reshape the future for the better.
Youth Change-maker

SAM HARRIS
About
Samantha is an Australian model, television personality, and passionate advocate for people and planet. Rising to prominence after being named runner-up in the 2004 Girlfriend magazine model search, she has since graced the covers of Vogue Australia, Marie Claire, and InStyle, and walked for iconic designers including Alex Perry, Lisa Ho, and Carla Zampatti.
Beyond the runway, Samantha is a familiar face on Australian television, appearing on Dancing with the Stars, Australia’s Next Top Model, and as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under. She’s also represented leading brands such as L’Oréal Paris, David Jones, and Swisse.
Also a proud ambassador for World Vision and WWF, Samantha uses her platform to champion causes close to her heart — from ocean conservation and environmental protection to greater representation for Indigenous Australians in fashion and media.
Australian Model

TAYLOR LADD-HUDSON
Shark Activist | Public Speaker | Youth Environmental Influencer
Taylor is a dedicated shark conservationist, environmentalist, and Ocean Lovers Festival Ambassador, passionate about inspiring youth to protect our oceans. Over the past year, she has spoken to more than 3,000 students across 50 schools in Queensland, demonstrating the power of youth voice and encouraging young people to take action on the issues they care about.
A freediver, snorkeler, scuba diver, local surfer, and Patrol member at Noosa Surf Life-saving Club, Taylor spends much of her time in the water exploring, protecting, and connecting with marine life. Her mission is to educate youth on the crucial role sharks play in ocean ecosystems while teaching them how to be shark-smart — from understanding rips and dangerous swells to coexisting safely with sharks.
Through education and outreach, Taylor empowers the next generation to respect marine wildlife, build confidence in the water, and take meaningful steps to safeguard the oceans for the future. Inspired by the motto, “A drop becomes a ripple, a ripple becomes a wave, and waves do change tides,” she believes that together, we can all create waves of positive change.
