A MAJOR marine social-impact campaign is putting one of Victoria’s most important yet under-recognised marine environments in the spotlight, but it needs community and corporate support to reach the finish line.
Western Port Down Under combines documentary storytelling, education, community engagement and conservation to reveal the remarkable natural and cultural stories of Western Port, inspiring schools, residents and visitors to explore, champion and care for the bay.
The campaign is being led by local marine biologist, award-winning author and documentary maker Sheree Marris in partnership with the not-for-profit Unico Conservation Foundation.
The team is currently focused on delivering the campaign’s two hero assets, a landmark documentary and interactive Living Book.
These will bring Western Port’s stories to life and help drive and resource future education, community-engagement and conservation initiatives.
Working with award-winning cinematographer Jack Breedon, the team has already captured several extraordinary sequences, including a baby shark hatching, the first documented footage of a glowing shark species and rare shark predation behaviour.
“Most people think of Western Port as mud, mosquitoes and mangroves, but there is magic in that mud and beneath the water,” said Marris.
“Western Port is internationally recognised as a Ramsar wetland and celebrated for the migratory shorebirds it supports, but it is the life below the surface that fuels this extraordinary ecosystem. Beneath the water are globally unique reef communities, surprising colour and diversity, and species we are still discovering.
“If we want people to care about Western Port’s future, they first need to know what is there and why it is worth protecting. At the moment, far too many people simply don’t.”
“We want to create an enduring legacy for the bay, one that gives schools and communities engaging ways to discover their blue backyard and inspires people to care for it for generations to come.”
The first in a planned series of community conversations was recently led by the Somers Residents Association, with support from Somers Yacht Club and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
The events are designed to engage and inspire local communities, bring them along on the campaign journey and capture the knowledge and stories of people connected to Western Port.
Local financial supporters already include the Flinders Community Association, Western Port Seagrass Partnership and SDJ Foundation, which has joined the campaign as a Legacy Partner.
Western Port Down Under has also attracted national attention, featuring on Nine News, with extended stories broadcast in Victoria and South Australia.
The project builds on the success of Melbourne Down Under, which screened on Network Ten and secured more than $8m in free media coverage. The campaign is also being developed as a model that could be adapted for other regions
The team must now secure the remaining $250,000 needed to complete the documentary and Living Book.
Businesses, philanthropic organisations, community groups and individuals are invited to help bring Western Port’s untold stories to life through sponsorship, partnership, donations or in-kind support.
To support the campaign or discuss a partnership, contact Sheree Marris at sheree@shereemarris.com
Learn more and watch the teaser reel at www.westernportdownunder.com.au/home
First published in the Mornington News – 18 August 2026
