Damien Cole | Environmental consultant
Damien Cole
Phone: +61 422 576 527
Reviews
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25.01.2022 #blackouttuesday
25.01.2022 The communities on the South Coast of NSW have had an exhausting 18 months. They’ve had to endure environmental threats from all angles, including marine park protection being stripped away, the potential for an oil spill in the #fightforthebight , catastrophic destruction in last year’s #blacksummer fires and a global pandemic. Now, heartbroken, exhausted, frustrated and still in a state of shock, the incredible community of @manyanamatters are standing up once again and tak...ing on @ozyhomes who are looking to destroy one of the last pieces of forest left in the area, for 1 simple reason, GREED. This is now in the hands of Federal MP and Minister for Environment @sussanleymp and we need you to join us in telling her why this needs to stop NOW! Send an email to ~ [email protected] (reference 2020/8704 Manyana Coast Pty Ltd) in your own words. Say why you feel the Project could have a significant impact on federally listed threatened species. Anyone, anywhere can make a comment. You don't have to be an expert, just someone who is passionate about protecting the health of our natural environment. Whether you're young or old, a highly-esteemed authority, nature-lover, a local community member, or if you’ve ever been to this magical part of our country - YOUR VOICE IS VALUABLE! . . . . #manyanamatters #ourfuturematters #australia #fightforthebight @ Manyana
24.01.2022 Last chance to get your Spring Creek submissions in - the time is now folks, no point complaining afterwards! Submissions can be made at https://engage.vic.gov.au/dalsac by Friday (tomorrow) 29th Jan at 4pm Option 2 for Spring Creek!
23.01.2022 Hello to all you wonderful people!! After some time off to recharge the batteries, I’m back and ready for another huge year looking after this big beautiful planet we’re so lucky to call home! I’ve started working with some incredible people in Indonesia, developing a company that makes sustainable surfboards (more info on that later in the year). I’m so excited and honoured to say that this will see us also working with the Masarang Foundation restoring coral reefs and for...ests in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi. The photos above show us during a trek investigating the location for our forest restoration program. We’ll initially be using fast-growing balsa trees to cast shade over the grass, which will clear the grass and allow for a variety of other plant species to grow. The snorkelling photo shows cages that will soon have corals planted on them, encouraging the growth with low voltage electrical currents known as biorock, allowing the coral to grow up to 5x faster! The sun is rising on an incredible opportunity for positive change, and I can’t wait to share more with you as the projects kick off!!! . . . . . . #Imback #sustainablesurf #indonesia #sulawesi #masarangfoundation #coralrestoration #conservationcures #ourplanet #ourresponsibility #ourfuture #healthyocean #bigblue #bethechange #biodiversity #wegotthis #2020 #globalpositivenews #positivechange @ Temboan, Sulawesi Utara, Indonesia
23.01.2022 While it might seem daunting at first, writing a submission SUPPORTING OPTION 2 IS actually a really easy process and one which you can get done in 5mins or less! Not a lot of time to help save an iconic part of Torquay!
23.01.2022 Got a few minutes to save Spring Creek and shape the future of Torquay / Juc? See you at Ashmore Arts today!
23.01.2022 Meet these two good humans! Kindness Pandemic TV goes live with our pilot episode at 2pm tomorrow. #kptv #kindnesspandemictv #community
22.01.2022 Hey friends out there! Excited to share this incredible new project brought to you by a group of good humans trying to make a real positive difference at this time. Kindness Pandemic TV is launching their pilot show later this week and I'm excited to say I'll be on as one of the hosts as we aim to spread positivity to the community. #kindnesspandemictv
21.01.2022 And here we go again, another grossly inappropriate development being masqueraded as an economic boost, using COVID-19 as a shield to further politicians and their developer mates agenda. Western Australian Premier @mark_mcgowan_mp and Tourism Minister @minister.papalia have jumped into bed with @marriotthotels to push through plans for a hotel on the clifftop overlooking the beautiful, pristine and environmentally sensitive beach of Gnarabup down in Margaret River. Although ...not expected to be completed until 2023, this hasn’t stopped old mate McGowan from using COVID-19 as an excuse for the proposed project, stating "This will attract tourists from all over Australia, and all over the world when borders open." (in 2023?). Hang on a sec there mate, you’re saying people will be attracted to Margaret River because a multinational hotel chain has dumped a hotel on a cliff? Here I was thinking that people head to the South West to enjoy some time immersed in nature, connecting with small local businesses and enjoying the incredible NATURAL beauty of the region. Margaret River has I’m sure taken a hit from COVID-19, just like every other community in Australia, but that’s no excuse to allow plans to destroy pristine land, remove wildlife habitat and put pressure on the local community down there. What the region needs is support for its local businesses, not an international giant sweeping in. I am so damn sick of hearing the thinly veiled regurgitation that all of this is in the best interest of the community, whilst simultaneously seeing the fierce opposition from the community for the last 3 decades. There were plans way back in 1990 to build a golf course there, yet it was abandoned due to community backlash. It reared it’s ugly head again in 2004, with a proposal for another hotel, again it was rejected because of.. you guessed it community opposition. Now they’re at it again, without any consultation with the community, traditional owners or environmental groups. I say we make sure they really hear us this time, let’s get on this, sign the petition in my bio and share this story around. Remember, our coastal communities are all connected by one ocean @ Margaret River, Western Australia
20.01.2022 Are you a wiz on Instagram or Facebook? Would you like to join the team of KPTV and help out on our socials team? Send us a message today!
20.01.2022 Kindness Pandemic TV is also on instagram :) Please give the show a follow there. #kptv #kindnesspandemictv
19.01.2022 So it’s been 72 hours since the historic news that, we the people, pressured a multinational oil company to walk away from a project. A project that threatened our coastline and everything we have ever known.. I, along with many of you I’m sure, still have my head in the clouds and in a state of euphoria, people power stood up, united and sent them packing!! The most exciting thing I think, is that no 1 person, no 1 charity or conservation group, and no single community did...Continue reading
19.01.2022 Who's keen for a Morning fitness workout tomorrow? Kindness Pandemic TV with a Think.Eat.Feel session at 8am tomorrow morning. #kptv #kindnesspandemictv #kindnesspandemic #fitness
18.01.2022 Hello to all you lovely people out there! I hope you’re doing ok and keeping in high spirits during these challenging times. This is truly unprecedented times for us all and it’s more important than ever to listen to health officials and experts to ensure we are all being socially responsible by putting in place cautionary measures. I’ve been self-isolating the last 13 days to ensure I’m playing my part, reducing any unnecessary travel, staying 2m away from people when I am o...ut, sanitising everything and washing hands a lot more than I ever have! Whilst it’s important to ensure you are doing the right thing as an individual, it’s also important to look after your loved ones and also your community. We’ve been FaceTiming my parents everyday to check in and see how they’re doing, unfortunately today mum was having a bit of a down day. So this morning Lauren and I went down to surprise mum, who has also been in self-isolation in Anglesea, with a packet of Tim Tams and a Peace Lilly that we bought from @Poppiesanglesea. Don’t worry though, we took every precautionary measure we could, distanced ourselves from everyone during the purchase and sanitised both little presents before placing them on the ground in front of mum’s place and stepping back into the driveway to chat. Mum was just over the moon, with a few tears being held back I think we might have just made her week. A big thank you to Poppies Nursery too, small businesses like this are the heart and soul our community and have always been there for us. So now is our time to show compassion and a sense of community, let’s support our small businesses in this time of need, so that when all of this is behind us we can look around and know that our community got through this together. . . . . . #positivecoronavirus #corona #surfcoast #community #mum #supportsmallbusiness #strongertogether #anglesea #torquay #wegotthis #brighterdaysahead See more
18.01.2022 I had the pleasure of chatting with @reecepacheco over at @wslpure reflecting on last year’s #FightForTheBight, a campaign so humbling and truly the most inspiring and incredible time of my life. The power we have as a community and our collective voice will always inspire me to fight for the protection of our oceans, coasts and planet, and I couldn’t be more grateful to share that fight with all of you. A huge thanks to the @wsl for supporting this movement, a movement that ...is only beginning and I for one can’t wait to see what surfers and coastal communities will accomplish in the future. To hear the full episode, click the link in my bio and have a listen . . . . . #community #peoplepower #climatechange #climateemergency #strikeforclimate #greatoceanroad #greataustralianbight #bigoildontsurf #thankyou See more
18.01.2022 We have all been caught up in an illusionary race to nowhere, the world speeding up day after day, pressures increasing, world resources depleting and our planet has become sick from it. We have developed a false narrative which tells us we need to increase work loads, need instant gratification, need to get everything done so we can afford to buy all this "stuff", brand new cars, electronics, cheap homewares etc. This of course is whilst sacrificing what really matters, our ...connection with each other, our mental health, our creativity, our passion. It is a habit we have developed in a very short amount of time, let's say the last 50 years. Thankfully, as we have witnessed with this global pandemic, it's also a habit we can shake off quickly, IF we allow ourselves too. We can already see it happening in our communities, people are slowing down, families are enjoying time together, board games are being dusted off and our communities are stopping to enjoy..... well life. Let's just make sure we stay on this path and rebuild our communities and our country based on compassion, resilience and sustainability. Because I'm don't know about you, but I'm sure I've been hearing our planet breath a sigh of relief recently, and i for one want to keep hearing her do so. See more
18.01.2022 Fresh Tunes for your Friday night! Daniel Aaron is incredible!
18.01.2022 Wow...... 2019 you have been the most incredible year of my life, a roller coaster of a ride, but one I am so thankful for every single day. To have been a part of 2 elections, the #fightforthebight campaign, starting a new charity and a near death experience and a National Day of Action all in the same year is still so so so surreal. 2019, you have led me to new friendships with amazing people, allowed our incredible team to accomplish things we never even dreamed and ignite...d a passion in our communities which has been humbling to be a part of. To the incredible people in my life, the opportunities and challenges I’ve faced this year, I would not have been able to do without you. You have all been a pivotal part in keeping me on track, mostly sane and alive, I’m so humbled by your support, generosity and forever thankful to have you all in my life. So here’s to 2020, a year which I’m sure will be filled with new opportunities, incredible loved ones and new adventures. I’ll be ready for you mid January Miss2020, but for now I’m enjoying some time soaking in the magic which we are so lucky that our coastline offers. Just enough time to replenishing for another big year. Happy New Year and love to you all . . . . . #2019 #whatayear #2020 #cantwait #greatoceanroad #torquay #community #fightforthebight #bigoildontsurf #lovetoall # @ Great ocean road, Kennet river, Victoria
16.01.2022 Check us out live on our first episode of Kindness Pandemic Tv now on https://www.facebook.com/kindnesspandemictv/videos/2960282040695837/
15.01.2022 G’day everyone, as you might already be aware my dad Maurice Cole is running in this year’s Surf Coast Shire council election in the Torquay ward. He has been an integral part of local history for over 50 years, standing up for our coastline and our community when no one else would and was a huge inspiration for me running in both the state and federal elections. He is working to bring back trust, respect and integrity to our council, along with some like-minded independent c...andidates to ensure we have a truly community first council. If you’re not sure who else to put as your first few preferences, I’d recommend checking out the Facebook pages of @liz pattison, @rob bullen, @monica winston and @kate gazzard who would all make great councillors. If you’ve got any question regarding this year’s election don’t hesitate to send me a message and I’ll try to get back to you as quickly as possible. Liz Pattison Surf Coast Rob Bullen TorquayWard-Candidate Monica Winston for Torquay Ward, Surf Coast Shire Kate Gazzard Maurice Cole Torquay Candidate
14.01.2022 @oceanmindinc has teamed up with iconic surfboard shapers and artists to launch Art Unleashed, a very special online art auction. We here at Ocean Mind are honoured to have some incredibly talented collaborations from: Maurice Cole (Varuna) x Natalie Martin Corey Graham x Xavier Davies Luca Rossi (Babel Surfboards) x Erin Reinboth... Ocean Mind is transforming the lives of young people experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation and disabilities, through therapeutic surfing programs, and these 3 unique art pieces are being auctioned to help with the incredible work Ocean Mind is doing in our community. Jump onto the auction website (in my bio) and place a bid for your opportunity to add a unique piece of surf art to your quiver, and support Ocean Mind’s life-changing work. Online bidding for these iconic surfboards is open from now until 2pm on Saturday 27 June and bidding is already seeing plenty of action!! Huge thanks to @natalie_martin @mcsurfboards @coreygrahamshapes @xavierdavies @babelsurfboards and @erinreinbothart for their support of Ocean Mind, you are simply amazing!!! . . . . #artunleashed #mentalhealth #community #art #surfing @ Torquay, Victoria
13.01.2022 This is disgusting, sickening and pure evil.......
13.01.2022 An incredibly moving, honest and raw perspective on how our First Nations people feel in today’s society.
12.01.2022 After chatting with my family and loved ones over the last couple of days, this one really hit home. In times like this it’s so important to remember the small acts of kindness happening, to remind ourselves of the inherent good in the world. Having a quick 5 minute FaceTime could just make someone’s day
11.01.2022 Tune in at 2pm today for the pilot episode of Kindness Pandemic TV! Bring the popcorn, bring the yoga mat, bring the housemates too!
10.01.2022 It’s been awesome seeing this fabulous community of Torquay get behind the Protect Spring Creek movement. Just like the state election campaign and the Fight For The Bight, when we all work together we can influence what happens around us! We don’t have to accept ‘business as usual’. So get your submissions in by Friday and help your friends and family to do the same, it’s easy and only takes a few minutes. Remember, Once it’s gone it’s GONE!
10.01.2022 Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mums out there!! I want to send special love to 2 of the most important mums in my life, my incredible angel mum and my amazing sister. - Mum you have been my rock since the day I was born, always ready with pearls of wisdom anytime I need advice, warmth of reassurance whenever I stumble in life and deep laughter from way down in my stomach whenever I need cheering up. You have guided me through life and given me the tools and inspira...tion to be a better person each and every single day and for that I’ll never be able to truly give enough thanks. - Marine, you are a phenomenal mother and watching your kids become such smart, compassionate and hilarious little humans has been simply astounding. With life is going a million miles around us all, I’m blown away by how well you manage to balance life, no matter how hectic life can get you always put your children first with quality time and strength only a mother can have. Thanks to both of you for being a part of and shaping my life, I am so thankful to have such amazing women to look up to. @ Torquay
10.01.2022 I’m so excited to officially announce I’m jumping onboard with @surfrideraus as their National Campaign Manager! Since it’s inception, Surfrider has been fiercely protecting what we all hold sacred, standing up for our communities, our ocean and our planet. I’ve always held Surfrider Foundation in such high regard as the charity which truly represents surfers and protects our coastlines. It’s also in my DNA, with my my dad @mcsurfboards playing an integral part putting @sur...fridereurope together back in the early 90’s. That to me represents what Surfrider is all about, intergenerational conservation. The generation of surfers before us protected our oceans for today’s generation and we are protecting our oceans for tomorrow’s generation. After working with Surfrider Foundation on the #FightfortheBight campaign last year, it has become very clear that surfers and coastal communities are not to be messed with when it comes to protecting our ocean and Surfrider Foundation is the vehicle that will drive this movement for change. With strategic powerhouse and mentor of mine @seano888 at the helm of Surfrider Foundation as the new Chairperson, the voice for conservation within surfing is only going to get louder and stronger. But we can’t do it without YOU the people! Last year we showed the world what people power could accomplish, but that was only the beginning, we’re only just getting started!! We here at @surfrideraus want to represent every single surfer, ocean loving individual and community across this beautiful country. So jump on our website, become a member and come along for the ride, because we are going to be a force to be reckoned with. Oh yeah and this is a warning shot to, as our new Chairperson @seano888 put so eloquently, rampant developers, multinational oil & gas companies and other assorted pirates who put profit before the health of the coast, we are mobilising and we WILL protect our communities and our oceans, so BRING IT ON!!!! credit- @jarrahlynch @edsloanephoto @jezzalanko_creative . . . . . #bringiton #ocean #surfrider #foundation #brightertomorrow #community #standtogether
10.01.2022 It is 2 years since the 5 storey hotel in Torquay first showed up on our radar and I’m afraid we need to act again. Surf Coast Shire councillors all voted against this disgrace of a planning proposal but it seems that the inner workings of the Council have other ideas, having advised the Victorian Planning Minister they think there is an economic benefit and that a pro business, pro planning advisory panel should assess it rather than the Planning Minister taking steps to ‘c...all it in’ and reject it. So many of you objected to this when it was in Council’s hands and that was awesome, but unfortunately we need to step up again. If the Minister doesn’t use his powers to refuse the application, it will go to VCAT and we know that the vast majority of cases at VCAT go in favour of the developer. We simply cannot allow that to happen. If the Council request a call it in will be a key factor as to whether the Minister decides to call it in. Please write to your Councillors requesting them to pass a motion at their September meeting to request the Planning Minister to call it in and protect the cultural identity and character of our beloved coastal town! Here are the email addresses of the councillors, Rose Hodge (Mayor): [email protected] Clive Goldworthy; [email protected] David Bell: [email protected] Martin Duke: [email protected] James McIntyre: [email protected] Brian McKiterick: [email protected] Tony Revell: [email protected] Margot Smith: [email protected] Heather Wellington: [email protected]
10.01.2022 And we’re live! Kindness Pandemic TV
10.01.2022 How good are WildlifeXposure tune in on your lunch break today!
09.01.2022 Last year’s devastating fires on the east coast of Australia decimated the habitat of our incredible wildlife, with only scarce parcels left for them to take refuge. Yet @ozyhomes are pushing ahead to bulldoze one of these last remaining patches of dense habitat just north of Ulladulla, to make way for a housing estate. - This land has become a last refuge for koalas, wallabies, wombats, birds and countless other species, whilst the rest of the South Coast is recovering. Word... has it that the pleas from the local community, who have already suffered so much in recent times, has been ignored by the @shoalhavencitycouncil and the @liberalpartynsw , putting $$$ ahead of what they were elected to do, represent our communities. - With #covid19 changing society as we know it, now is the time for @gladysb @mattkeanmp @robstokesmp and @ozyhomes to step up, show a new found leadership and start working WITH our communities, not against them. . . . . . #australia #bendalong #jervisbay #community #earthday #koalas #kangaroos #savetheplanet #nowayozyhomes #dotherightthing #ozyhomes @ Bendalong Beach See more
08.01.2022 The Otway Basin is under a new threat, with 5 offshore leases being put up for tender. Today, on #worldoceansday we call on @danielandrewsmp and @jaclynsymesmp to do the right thing and cancel this tender process. We’re running out of time to save our precious planet and Victorians will forever thank you for standing up for them..... oh and if you do go ahead, well if you remember the #fightforthebight , you’ll realise that you’re about to come up against some incredibly pass...ionate communities who will stand up for their coastline and their planet, so get ready for a fight!!! . . . . . #oilandgasnowayotway #nonewgas #fightforthebight #australia #rightsideofhistory #forourfuture @ Bells Beach See more
07.01.2022 Exciting news! Kindness Pandemic TV is dropping LIVE shows on Facebook and Youtube! Guess we all better subscribe to the Youtube channel then.
07.01.2022 Here for a whole lot of good times! This Sunday Kindness Pandemic TV drops 2pm. Come check it out! #kptv #kindnesspandemic #goodvibesonly
06.01.2022 With incredible stories of love, compassion and community spirit, The Kindness Pandemic is testament to the good in the world at a time whn everything we have ever known is being challenged. So if you’re feeling some angst with the way the world is at the moment, this page will bring a smile to your face and potentially a few tears as well (there’s a couple of videos that really got me). Enjoy and make sure to share the love
06.01.2022 Come on out to Ocean Grind if you need assistance with your submission to Protect Spring Creek. This morning and tomorrow morning. One week to go folks - lets show the developers what this community is made of!
05.01.2022 Meet the Kindness Pandemic TV family Give us a follow, we’ll see you Sunday!
05.01.2022 A big shout out to everyone who has contributed to our go fund me so far. We’ve had some terrific contributions directly to 3228 RA as well and we now have more than half of what we need to put up a strong fight at VCAT. So we are on our way, we just need some more of you to dig deep and help us get over the line. Are we going to let the developers from Melbourne change the look and feel of Torquay forever? If you love Torquay and our beautiful coastline, why not fight for i...t. A strong legal case at VCAT could prevent a very problematic precedent and result in this being brought down to a 3 storey maximum and other conditions which would fit community expectations. You can take action by contributing to our Go Fund Me page. Lets show em what we’re made of! https://www.gofundme.com/f/surfcoastnotthegoldcoast
04.01.2022 Last chance everyone, please write to the Councillors and the Planning Minister as outlined in the GTA's post below and ask them to have this oversized 5 storey hotel in Torquay called in and refused.
04.01.2022 The 5 storey hotel proposal in Torquay was something that grated with me when it emerged in October 2018 and from the forum I helped organise it was obvious that the community doesn’t want something so tall and imposing on this site. We have encouraged the developer to work with us to come up with something we can all be proud of but he hasn’t taken that opportunity. Instead he opted to take the Council to VCAT for refusing the application. 3228 RA and GT Alliance have had 3 ...days at VCAT so far without much success and we are now faced with a 6 day hearing at VCAT in November. So, I’m asking for your help to save the Surf Coast from turning into a mini city by contributing to the 3228RA Go Fund Me. https://www.gofundme.com/f/surfcoastnotthegoldcoast If this 5 storey building is allowed in a 3 storey zone it will set a problematic precedent for our future and completely change the character of Torquay. A 3 storey hotel that fits with the planning scheme and our coastal character would be much more appropriate. I was so impressed by the community spirit during the state election where together we have almost saved Spring Creek. We then paddled out in massive numbers to play a role in saving the Great Australian Bight from risky oil drilling. Lets keep that momentum going and show how awesome Torquay can be again by contributing, however you can, to this fund to get the best legal representation we can and send this developer packing too! If you are unable to contribute, please share this
02.01.2022 It's certainly time for another mid week workout, stoked to have Kindness Pandemic TV hosting a 20 minute session with Lakey Peterson and ACCEL Fitness. Tune in 6pm tomorrow.
02.01.2022 Check out the line up! Kindness Pandemic TV just a couple hours away. Thank you to WildlifeXposure Thaedra Tidal Yoga Milton Daniel Aaron Ocean Mind Incorporated Morning Glory: Yoga & Art in the Park Think.Eat.Feel for getting on board this first show! See you soon! Hope you all enjoy.
01.01.2022 Looking for a dose of positive media? Kindness Pandemic TV is a new channel releasing its pilot show in just under a week! Give it a follow this morning! #kindnesspandemictv #positivemedia #community
01.01.2022 Well Australia..After a monumental campaign by the Great Australian Bight Alliance, indigenous leaders and community leaders all over our nation, after a torrent of tears from happiness, heartbreak, frustration and disbelief, countless late night meetings, hundreds of hours on phone calls, over 31,500 submissions to the government, a mammoth community social media campaign, an unimaginable number of paddle outs and 10’s of thousands of people stepping onto their beaches to ...protect our coastline, our way of life and our mother ocean.we’ve done it! Equinor has been sent packing back to Norway. And today I am so proud of my team, of our community on the Surf Coast, coastal communities all over Australia and of our global community of ocean lovers across the world. Because without every single one of you, this historic moment the moment when people power defeated the greed of an oil company would not have happened. So to every single one of you,..to every single person who got sand between their toes, joined a paddle out with their community and let the world know that we stand united in protecting our ocean..I THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, this is a win for coastal communities, for our oceans, for Australia and for future generations who again have the chance to see the raw and pristine beauty that our Great Australian Bight has to offer Now.. this is only the beginning, while this is a huge win for all of us, our fight for the bight is not over, we have just shown the true power of the people, we have shown what our communities can achieve when we stand united and sowe must continue standing together and push for permanent protection of the Great World Heritage protection. We must safeguard what the Mirning people, the traditional owners of the Bight have preserved and protected for over 50,000 years, because we too are custodians of this land and must protect our mother ocean and mother earth. @ Great Australian Bight
