Community
19 September, 2025
Maremma legacy continues a decade on
ON the 10-year anniversary of the release of the movie Oddball, the Middle Island Maremma Penguin Project is expanding its education sessions to share important conservation messages with more people.
Oddball premiered at Warrnambool’s Capitol Cinema on September 13, 2015 and went on to gross over $11 million at the Australian box office.
More importantly, the film put the world-first Maremma penguin conservation project centre stage, and the film’s positive impact is still being felt today.
Due to popular demand, the project’s interactive education sessions will run during the September school holidays for the first time.
‘Penguin Protectors Warrnambool’ sessions will be held on Monday September 22, Friday September 26, Monday September 29 and Friday October 3 at 10am and will involve a short walk to Stingray Bay Beach.
The sessions include an overview of the project before allowing attendees to get hands-on with the tools of the trade of a conservationist and have a photo opportunity with an ambassador Maremma dog.
Middle Island project officer Nikita Dubberley said she was looking forward to sharing the story of the project with more people this spring.
“Even though the Oddball movie is 10 years old, people are still really excited to talk about it,” she said.
“We often discuss fun facts and bust a few myths about the differences between the movie and the real program.
“It’s been such a valuable way to spread the message of the important work that goes on at Middle Island.
“We usually run the Penguin Protectors Warrnambool sessions over the summer and Easter holidays and they’re always a big hit.
“The number of enquiries we’ve received meant that we’re going to trial them in the September holidays too.”
All funds raised from Penguin Protectors Warrnambool experiences go directly towards the care of the Middle Island Project Maremma dogs and conservation of the little penguins.
Warrnambool deputy mayor Cr Vicki Jellie said the Middle Island Maremma Penguin Project, and the movie Oddball, had had a profound impact on Warrnambool.
“When you talk about reach, nothing has put Warrnambool in front of more people across Australia and around the world,” Cr Jellie said.
“The Maremmas are Warrnambool icons. It’s a source of immense pride with our residents, and it’s something that visitors want to find out about.”
Cr Jellie believes the project has put Warrnambool on the map, and it’s something that has continued to evolve.
“While protecting the penguin colony was the driving force behind the creation of the program, the Maremmas also play an important role in protecting other native species that nest on the island, such as the short-tailed shearwaters.
“If you have friends and family visiting for the holidays, or even if you’d just like to learn more about the program for yourself, come along to a session.”
Visit www.warrnamboolpenguins.com.au to book.
