Membership in ORRCA gives you a practical way to help marine mammals. Members have many opportunities to come into personal contact with these animals in their natural environment. However not everyone needs to be on the beach during a stranding, there are plenty of vital roles behind the scenes as well. Alternatively you may prefer to lend moral or financial support.

ORRCA is a volunteer organisation caring for whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs in Australian waters.

After joining as a Supporting Member you can begin to take part in the life of the organisation, helping out in areas that match your interest and talents. You will receive our quarterly Newsletter, which often indicates where help is needed. Through meeting other members at get-togethers, and reading ORRCA publications, your knowledge and abilities will grow.

By attending a weekend training workshop, adult members can qualify to assist at whale strandings or seal haulouts, and join the Rescue Team. As part of a local 'Pod' of Rescue Team members, you will be notified when a stranding occurs. Should you be able to go and assist, you will have a privileged experience never to be forgotten.

Pod Leaders are the vital link between the ORRCA leadership and local Rescue Teams. Pod meetings help Rescue Team members keep in touch between strandings.

Rescue Team members who are keen to increase their knowledge may apply to join the Research Team as well. Live populations are studied, and assistants are needed at post-mortem examinations performed by ORRCA veterinarians and scientists. Because so little is known about marine mammals, there are always opportunities to make new discoveries.

Our Education Team is active in many areas. Speakers are provided for clubs and schools. Museum displays are prepared. Rescue Team members are trained. And advanced training is given to management and staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Each quarter the Newsletter Team issues a bulletin of news, events and information.

Members of our Hotline Team play a crucial role. ORRCA's 24-hour Hotline is our nerve centre. It receives notification of stranding emergencies, notifies the National Parks and Wildlife Service, mobilises rescue teams and resources, controls ORRCA's on-site activities, and acts as our interface with other organisations. Team members take 24-hour rosters to run the Hotline from their homes.

There is also a small team that updates this web site.

Each year the membership elects a Committee of ten to direct the organisation's activities.

ORRCA Inc was registered under the Associations Incorporation Act (NSW) in 1986, and is licensed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of New South Wales for marine mammal rescue and research. ORRCA's Aims and Objects are listed in a Constitution.

If you have any questions about ORRCA, or about becoming a member, please call 9415 3333 in Sydney between 8am and 8pm. Our volunteer operator will be more happy to answer your questions.

Choose from a section below to review membership related documents.