Keep the sea free, Project Jonah : Orca (Killer Whale)
Maker
Project Jonah
(Formed 1974)
Manufacturer
A J Parkes & Co. Pty Ltd
(Established 1896)
Date1974 - 1987
Object number00001028
NameBadge
MediumPlastic
DimensionsOverall: 40 x 40 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Project Jonah
DescriptionA round badge reading 'Keep the sea free, Project Jonah' and depicting a Killer Whale with the inscription 'Orca (Killer Whale)' beneath. Memorabilia from a conservation campaign by Project Jonah.HistoryProject Jonah was formed in Australia in the early 1970s and is operated in a purely voluntary way. It works to "conserve whales by means of public education, advocacy and policy formulation. It provides a voice for those people in the community who want to indicate their views on threats to whales and support proposals to conserve them. We assist with whale stranding’s and have worked successfully to outlaw the cruel public display of whales from most of Australia." (Mosley, G., Submission to Inquiry into Definition of Charities and Related Organisations by Project Jonah Vict Inc., 2000). Its early primary goal was to make people aware what was happening; get involved in whale protection and to lobby the Australian and New Zealand governments to use their law making powers and membership of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to stop local and international whaling.SignificanceThe anti whaling movement in Australia has been instrumental in whale conervation and has ensured and encouraged all Australians be aware of the issue. It's strong early stance has also seen the Australian government be a vocal member of the anti whaling movement on the world stage.