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.
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.
OCEAN LOVERS FESTIVAL PATRON
OCEAN LOVERS AMBASSADORS
Team
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.
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, she uses her platform to make marine science engaging and accessible, inspiring others to care for the blue heart of our planet.
As an ambassador, Vanessa brings her expertise and infectious enthusiasm to connect people with the science that’s shaping a healthier future for our oceans.
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.
LISA BLAIR OAM
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
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 and was recently elected as the youngest independent Councillor in the Sutherland Shire.
IMAGE CREDIT: Jarryd Biviano
Aliah Banchik is a marine biologist, shark specialist, ocean explorer, wildlife presenter, and underwater photographer passionate about bringing ocean stories to life. With a Master’s degree in Marine Biology and a specialization in sharks and rays, she combines science, adventure, and storytelling to inspire greater appreciation and protection of our oceans. She is also a featured cast member on Netflix’s All the Sharks.
As Co-Founder and Creative Director of The FINstitute, Aliah helps lead a global consortium dedicated to shark conservation, ocean literacy, and empowering the next generation of shark advocates. Whether she’s diving with sharks, exploring remote coastlines, or sharing stories from the field, her mission is to connect people with the ocean and inspire action for its future🦈🦈
Taylor is a passionate shark conservationist, environmentalist, and Ocean Lovers Festival Ambassador dedicated to protecting our blue planet and inspiring youth to do the same. Using her voice to create waves of change, she has spoken to thousands of students across Australia and internationally, empowering young people to find their purpose, speak up, and take action for the ocean.
A freediver, snorkeler, scuba diver, and surfer, Taylor spends most of her time in the water connecting with marine life and sharing their stories. Her mission is to educate and inspire youth to understand the vital role sharks play in our ecosystems and to teach them how to be shark-smart, coexisting safely and respectfully with these incredible animals.
Angie is a regular Bondi beach swimmer who traded 50-metre pool laps for the open ocean and never looked back.
What surprised her most was the richness of marine life at a city beach. Wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, grey nurse sharks, eagle rays, octopus and dolphins are all regular morning companions. She shares these encounters on @angie.swims as a tribute to the spectacular marine life in Waverley's backyard.
As an educator, Angie believes connection drives conservation. She has campaigned for shark net removal, contributed to Spot A Shark as a citizen scientist, and supported Waverley Council's marine BioBlitz to help record and identify local species. She hopes to see Bondi declared a no-take zone, and is a proud supporter of the Ocean Lovers Festival.
Sophia Skarparis (aka PlasticFreeSophia) is an award-winning changemaker, educator and ocean lover. At just 14 years old, Sophia mobilised more than 12,000 handwritten signatures calling for a plastic bag ban in New South Wales, with the petition tabled in Parliament and contributing to the momentum that led to the state's plastics reforms. Her efforts were recognised with the Australian Geographic Young Conservationist of the Year Award, presented by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
From being one of the first young Australians to help drive legislative change, Sophia now bridges the worlds of business, government and community to reimagine education and nurture a generation of young people who feel connected to something bigger than themselves, connected to their communities and the natural world, and equipped with the tools to turn passion into action.