How did you come to be part of the Whale Tales Crew?
I worked closely with humpback whales in Tonga for several years as a certified whale swim guide. But when COVID hit, I was in Sydney, and with international borders closed, my work with the whales was put on pause. During that time, I continued pursuing my path in the film industry. One of the projects involved shooting from a boat in Sydney Harbour—and that’s how I first connected with Whale Tales.
A few weeks later, I found myself back on a whale-watching boat—not as part of the film crew, but as someone returning to her calling. That’s how I became part of the Whale Tales crew in 2023.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Honestly, I’m just looking forward to seeing the whales return in high numbers in a happy and healthy state. I wouldn’t mind meeting the famous white humpback “Migaloo!”
Each season is so unique and brings its own stories. I feel incredibly grateful to be a voice for the whales and to share the importance of their existence and the profound lessons they offer us.
What’s something that surprises you about your job? OR What is the best part of your job?
What surprises me most about my job is the unpredictability of each trip. You never know what to expect or what you’ll encounter. Being adaptable and making the most of each experience makes it so exciting.
Many things make this job so special. First and foremost, it’s how deeply it touches people’s minds and hearts—those emotional shifts can last long after the trip ends. Being with whales and holding space for people’s emotional shifts is a privilege.
There’s also the power to inspire, to raise awareness about the importance of whales, the ocean and how each person can contribute in their way to the well-being of the whales and planet. That impact is truly incredible. You can learn more about whale conservation efforts at Australian Marine Conservation Society.
What is it that Whales have taught you about the world?
The whales have been my greatest teachers. They taught me the art of listening, which goes beyond hearing. Also, so much about our true nature, myself and the world. They have taught me that we’re not separate from the natural world—we are nature. We are responsible for our actions and responsible for shaping our experiences. And they The world would be kinder place if more people understood the value of deep listening.
