2026-2031 strategic plan
Shaping The Future Of Marine Mammal Conservation
ORRCA’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan outlines our vision for strengthening marine mammal rescue, research, education and community impact across Australia.
PLANNING WITH PURPOSE
FROM THE COMMITTEE
Over the past three years, ORRCA has undergone rapid change and growth, notably in human resources demands. With this growth has come a need to sharpen our organisational focus and prioritisation of resource allocation.
Strategic planning was identified as a key initial step toward meeting these needs, and we have seen that the planning process has already helped to guide more focused actions and informed decision-making.
At the heart of this Strategic Plan, we seek to improve outcomes for marine mammals and our oceans, and recognise the importance of First Nations knowledge and cultural practices in our marine mammal research and response.
ORRCA is proud to share this Strategic Plan with our Members, partners, and the wider community. It reflects our shared values and aspirations, and we look forward to working together to bring it to life over the coming years.
ABOUT ORRCA
40 years of rescue, research and response
Powered by trained volunteers, scientific collaboration and community support, we respond to whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs in need while working to safeguard the future of marine wildlife across our coastline.
our story
THE Rescue That Started It All
On June 24, 1985, a mass stranding of 62 false killer whales at Crowdy Head, NSW, sparked an extraordinary response.
In treacherous surf conditions, a local resident took an unprecedented step - transporting a stranded whale by truck to a sheltered fishing port to attempt in-water rehabilitation.
That single act of determination helped enable the successful rescue and return of 33 whales over three days, and became the moment that changed everything.
Image supplied: Manning River Times, 1985
our story
The Birth of ORRCA
Inspired by what was possible when people came together, a group of passionate volunteers formed the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) on November 14th, 1985.
Their mission was simple but powerful: to share the knowledge they had learnt at Crowdy Head with the wider coastal community and drive better outcomes for marine mammal incidents in the future.
OUR STORY
building national capability
On February 24th, 1986, ORRCA was incorporated under the NSW Incorporations Act (1984), formalising its role in marine mammal rescue and conservation.
From these early foundations, ORRCA has evolved into a recognised leader in marine mammal rescue and response across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Today, it operates as a highly trained, volunteer-based organisation working in close coordination with government agencies, marine authorities, and specialist partners, forming a unique and world-leading model where official response frameworks and skilled volunteers work seamlessly together in the field.
our story
A Growing Force for Marine Mammal Protection
Today, ORRCA continues to expand its reach along the east coast of Australia, driven by a diverse network of highly-trained volunteers united by a shared purpose.
From hands-on rescue response to education, training, and advocacy, ORRCA remains committed to protecting marine mammals and strengthening the communities that stand ready to help them.
support our work
DONATE TO ORRCA
ORRCA’s highly-trained team is 100% volunteer run. We handle life-saving calls 24 hours a day, every day, but we need your help to keep making an impact.
ORRCA acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians of Country, valuing their knowledge and connection of land, sea and sky. We recognise their deep cultural and spiritual connection to marine mammals within these waters