
The steering committee for Hervey Bay WHA has observed that working towards and achieving accreditation has brought together all the various stakeholders from the community in an authentic way. Prior to this, there was little to no communication between the whale watching fleet and other stakeholders.
During a speech at the World Whale Conference held in Hervey Bay in 2019, Uncle Glen Miller, President of the Butchulla Men's Business Aboriginal Association, posed the question “What’s in Whale Watching for the Butchulla Peoples?” Consequently, participation of Butchulla Representatives in the processes of the Hervey Bay WHS Steering Committee has been vital to ensure proper respect for Butchulla Culture, Traditions, and recognition of Butchulla Elders past, present and emerging. Butchulla affairs in the Wide Bay Region are presently divided between two organisations: Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) and Butchulla Native title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC). Negotiations took place, to either appoint a single Butchulla Representative on behalf of both organisations and/or, a Butchulla Representative from each of the organisations.