Parliamentary Speeches
Lance Ferris, The Pelican Man ( 23/10/2007)
LANCE FERRIS, THE PELICAN MAN
Page: 44
Mr DONALD PAGE (Ballina) [6.03 p.m.]: I wish to place on record the wonderful contribution made to marine wildlife by Lance Ferris from Ballina, known as the pelican man, who unexpectedly passed away a week ago. Last Friday I attended his commemorative service, together with hundreds of others. It was a fitting tribute to a man who gave the last 20 years of his life to the care, protection and rescue of pelicans, turtles and other marine wildlife. Lance was a very special Australian, a man who not only saved hundreds of pelicans and other marine wildlife but also gave very generously of his time and energy to support our community in various capacities.
Most of us knew Lance Ferris as the pelican man, but until 1980 Lance was a policeman. When he retired he worked as an aide for children with disabilities in Lismore and Ballina. He also worked with young people who had problems. He was a talented guitarist and singer who often entertained at functions, for example, parents and citizens fundraisers, and did not charge for his services. Lance Ferris made a big impression on all of us who had personal contact with him. His enthusiasm for the task at hand was contagious and infectious. Lance's activities were featured on the ABC television program Australian Story in 2003.
I remember when I first met Lance almost 20 years ago. He was paddling out into the Richmond River on his surfboard trying to rescue a pelican that had a fishhook in its leg and fishing line entangling its feet and wing. He was showing me how difficult it was for him to rescue and assist this pelican on a surfboard and his need for a small motorboat to do the rescue more effectively. It was obvious he had a very good case. We were able to get the money from the State Coalition Government to buy a small motorboat. I acknowledge the support of the then Minister for the Environment, Chris Hartcher, whom I approached for funding. Australian Seabird Rescue was effectively up and running.
Australian Seabird Rescue has now rescued over 1,000 pelicans and many other seabirds, shorebirds and marine turtles. From those early beginnings Lance and Marny Bonner, in particular, have grown Australian Seabird Rescue not just in New South Wales but in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. In fact, Lance and Australian Seabird Rescue have become well known worldwide. Such was Lance's reputation he would often get emails, which he showed me, from people overseas asking questions about marine life rescue and treatment. Lance was the face of Australian Seabird Rescue. It is hard to believe he is gone at the relatively young age of 60.
Marine wildlife had no better friend than Lance Ferris. He was a strong political campaigner for a cleaner environment for our marine wildlife. In particular, he was instrumental in the passing of legislation in the mid-1990s in New South Wales to ban the release of helium balloons because they inevitably end up in our waterways where they are often mistaken as food by marine life and consumed. The balloons in the marine animals' stomachs cause a slow and painful death. The last conversation I had with Lance a couple of weeks ago was about getting similar legislation introduced in Queensland. We set in motion initiatives, which should bring about that outcome, hopefully not too far down the track. Lance was also a strong campaigner for biodegradable fishing bait bags. The pelicans and turtles have lost their best friend and strongest advocate.
It is a measure of Lance's commitment to his beloved marine wildlife that even as he lay dying, having suffered a stroke, he was still issuing instructions about what needed to happen to several marine birds and animals under his care. Lance's enthusiasm for his vision led him to give numerous talks to schoolchildren about respecting the environment, beaches and wildlife. These talks will leave an ongoing legacy for the next generation and for decades to come. I believe the practical hands-on nature of Lance's commitment was one of the major reasons we all loved and respected him so much. Most of us would like to think that in some small way our presence on this earth did make a difference in a positive way, whether it is just in our families, amongst friends or within the wider community.
Lance Ferris certainly made a difference. He educated many people about the benefits of a clean environment for our marine wildlife; he helped many people in our community, including children with disabilities and troubled youth; he rescued and nursed many pelicans, turtles and other marine life back to good health; and he created, along with Marny Bonner, Australian Seabird Rescue. In the process he inspired a whole group of new people to embrace his vision around this country and beyond. The new facility at North Creek, Ballina, is testament to his energy, dedication to marine wildlife and leadership skills. So Lance Ferris did make a big difference. We owe it to him to honour his vision by helping to keep his good work going.
That means we should not litter beaches, we should be responsible with our fishing tackle and we should respect our environment. Whilst the pelicans and turtles have lost their best friend, we have lost a great mate, a leader, a man of compassion, a man of vision and a man of passion. We extend our condolences to Marny Bonner and his two children, Rochelle and Jason. We say to Lance, ``You have gone, but you'll never be forgotten. You left a fantastic legacy to our Ballina community and beyond. I salute you and everything you have done for marine wildlife in this country.``
