Volvo Ocean Lovers Festival Newsletter

NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 13

Welcome 2023!
We are in the third year of the UN Ocean Decade and celebrating our third Volvo Ocean Lovers Festival returning to Bondi in the restored Pavilion from March 15 to 19. We are now officially a UNESCO endorsed ocean decade activity. We have a jam-packed program of activities and events to share with you and inspire action for the ocean.  Put it in the diary and check out our free programs for all ages below.

Programs

NEW OCEAN LOVERS
We kicked off the year inspired by our lead partner Volvo Car Australia when they announced they will only sell electric cars by 2026 – four years earlier than the company’s ambitious global target. Go Aussie.
 
And now we welcome other passionate partners to the Volvo Ocean Lovers family with the IMC Pacific Foundation supporting our science and education programs through the Litterarty competition, Sea Science Showcase and the Fish Tank program. 
 
We are very excited to also share our ocean world on WeAre8 – our official social media app –on a mission to bring a sense of goodness and community back to the world of social media. Check out their just announced short film and photography competition – ‘See the Sea’ for cash prizes and chance to appear in the festival.

Entry Details

ACTION ON PLASTIC
Grab tickets below for our Ocean Plastic Action Forum, an all-day conference on March 15th with a firm focus on future solutions to purge ocean plastic. A powerful line-up of speakers includes renowned Professor Veena Sahajwalla from the UNSW SMaRT centre and Bondi’s own Lottie Dalziel. Supported by Ocean Protect and Samsara with drinks donated by The Hidden Sea  - the event is designed to promote networking and solutions through collaboration. Tickets include morning tea, lunch and networking drinks. Join policy makers, innovators and community action leaders here.
 

Tickets

SEA SCIENCE
The newly restored Pavilion will host our Sea Science Showcase, presenting four days of marine innovation and expertise from UTS, UNSW and Sydney University alongside Sydney Institute of Marine Science and the Australian National Maritime Museum. Interactive and engaging displays will show how science is solving ocean issues and saving marine life and habitats. Head to the High Tide Room in the Pavilion courtyard to meet a scientist, hear a talk or panel in the Conversation Corner, see short films and be inspired with Hope for the Ocean. This Showcase is supported by our new partner IMC Pacific Foundation.
 

Sea More

LITTERARTY COUNTDOWN
School students have been entering an amazing array of artworks in our Litterarty competition with the countdown now on for final entries by February 24th for $2,500 in prize money and the chance to be exhibited at the new Bondi Pavilion for the festival. This educational and artistic competition is supported by IMC Pacific Foundation with Take 3 resources and the Valerie Taylor prizes from Blue World.

Sea More

DIVE IN
Volvo Ocean Lovers Lap is back and bigger in 2023 with the annual swim across the bay on Saturday March 18 presented by WeAre8 and hosted by our best friends at Bondi Icebergs. We are expanding to a pool relay as well and opening to more ages. Winners will be closest to their nominated time for a bunch of prizes including a Volvo all electric car for a weekend.
Come and celebrate with live commentary by dual Olympian Neil Rogers at the pool Saturday morning for the 9am start on March 18.  
 

Sea More

CALLING STUDENTS
A Future Science Student Expo on March 16 will present an exciting range of opportunities for students to learn about marine science and explore undergraduate degree options. A half-day excursion allows students to engage with scientists and course leads from institutions offering talks plus hands-on experiences. This is a free opportunity with limited availability. Interested students register below.

Register

SUNRISE YOGA
Our friends at BodyMindLife are bringing back Sunrise Yoga on the beach to celebrate ocean love with us. Join Sarah Routher for this artful session on the sand. This is such a treat so sign up early for your patch at 7am on March 18th in front of the Pavilion, below. 
 

Register

JOIN IN
The United Nations Association of Australia are supporting us to recruit volunteers to get involved with the festival in many different ways. Look up how you can be involved and score a shirt and hat and join us for a big thank-you party put on by our friends at Hotel Ravesis. Sign up below.

Sign Up

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