samantha in the press - shark finning

Call for end to fin hunts
Mail Newspapers
by Mara Pattison-Sowden
1 August 2012

Yarra Ranges shark fin campaign has a bigger bite
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Claire Thwaites
31 July 2012

Yarra Ranges Council sinks shark fin soup
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
31 July 2012

samantha in the press

Meddling Greens refuse to adopt policy of common sense
Herald Sun
by Miranda Devine
29 July 2012

it's a fin free ranges

report from the roundtable - 24 jul

At this week's council meeting I moved a motion about Shark Fin Products in the Yarra Ranges. The motion came about from the advocacy efforts of Jordan Crook, Yarra Ranges Young Environmental Achiever of the Year.

I'm pleased to say that the motion was supported unanimously by councillors in what is an Australian first.

Jordan has created the advocacy group, Fin Free Ranges, to rid the Shire of Yarra Ranges of imported shark fin products, including shark fin soup.

Jordan wants to raise awareness of the plight of the world's Sharks and the impact of shark finning on the population of this apex predator, starting with the third tier of government, Yarra Ranges Council.

I've been impressed by the way Jordan has engaged with local government, he's a great young leader and his perseverance to this cause is a testament to his commitment to environmental issues.

As part of council's commitment to Fin Free Ranges we will be writing to businesses in Yarra Ranges that serve Shark Fin Soup as well as the Federal Minister for Environment, Tony Burke, to encourage banning the importation of shark fin, shark fin products and shark fin derivative products into Australia. To encourage other councils to follow suit we will also be writing to councils throughout Australia so they are aware of the issue as well as the two local government peak bodies in Victoria, the VLGA and the MAV.

I wish Jordan and Fin Free Ranges all the best in their efforts to stop the barbaric practice of Shark Finning.

no shark fin for yarra ranges?

At next week's council meeting (24/7) I'll be moving a motion in relation to shark fin products.

Cr Samantha Dunn and the Yarra Ranges Young
Environmental Achiever of the Year for 2011,
Jordan Crook.

The current Yarra Ranges Young Environmental Achiever of the Year, Jordan Crook, is embarking on a new project, Fin Free Ranges. Jordan wants to raise awareness of the plight of the world's Sharks and the impact of shark finning on the population of this apex predator. With Fin Free Ranges Jordan aims to rid the Shire of Yarra Ranges of Shark Fin Soup and contacted me to ask if council could assist him in his efforts.

I'm told by Jordan this motion is a first for Australia. I'm delighted to be able to bring this motion before Yarra Ranges councillors for their consideration.

Jordan continues to be a leader in our community on environmental matters and his latest initiative, Fin Free Ranges, is another example of his passion for the broader environment.

Jordan's actions are commendable and his passion for environment has made him a worthy winner of Young Environmental Achiever of the Year in the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

I wholeheartedly support Jordan and Fin Free Ranges and certainly hope my colleagues support Jordan as well by voting in favour of the motion.

samantha in the press - environment

Sassfras teen changing the tide
Leader Newpapers
by Laura Armitage
18 Apr 2012

samantha in the press - environment

Sassafras teen changing the tide
Leader Newspapers
by Laura Armitage
18 April 2012