In loving memory of 'Pelican Man' Lance Ferris,
12.DEC.46 - 14.OCT.07

If the months and weeks leading up to Christmas go so fast, how is it that two years can seem like such a long time? But at the same time, has it really been two years?

Actually the length of time since the world lost "The Pelican Man" is kind of irrelevant. Lance Ferris had a presence that was always larger than life itself and although his physical presence is absent now, and deeply felt every day, for Australian Seabird Rescue (ASR) he remains our True North.

Of course we miss him terribly, but he shed so much light on the path ahead that ASR is achieving what we always dreamed and hoped it would - sufficient momentum to be continued by the next generation.

Despite her own profound loss, Lance's daughter Rochelle and her partner Keith have being doing a great job of galvanising ASR and taking it forward. The Rehabilitation & Education Centre at Ballina is thriving and membership has doubled. Workshops, raising awareness in coastal communities, educating school kids, encouraging student interns and of course the rescue and rehabilitation of seabirds, shorebirds and sea turtles - it all continues, now gathering its own momentum. And while we miss him terribly, we also draw great comfort from knowing how proud he would be.

These days there are many members who never met Lance, but when we talk about him and his work, their eyes light up with inspiration. I know they will never know how much it cost to establish ASR; that they can't possibly comprehend the trials and tribulations, the achievements and successes, the personal hardship, and the ultimate and hugest loss of all. But I know they are inspired and motivated - an integral part of our vision, our mission - and I am comforted.

I remember days (back in the early 1990s) when we sat on the riverbank in despair, wondering how we could possibly cope with so many injured pelicans. Now I see branches and associate groups in other states achieving so much in reducing the human impact on coastal wildlife, all led by people for whom Lance was, and still is, a shining light.

Now, after two years of rebalancing ourselves, we are ready to truly celebrate Lance's life and launch the next phase of ASR. And there couldn't be a more appropriate date - Lance's birthday, December 12th.

To be held at the Ballina RSL Club, overlooking Lance's beloved Richmond River, Rochelle is organising a night of nights - to celebrate his life, his inspiration - a night to eat together, laugh together, remember together, and move forward together.

On this very special occasion we will also be launching the Lance Ferris Memorial Public Fund. This will be a major fundraiser for ASR, incorporating a live auction of great temptations. All who knew, loved and were inspired by Lance are invited to join us, and to help propel ASR into the future.

For me this is a time of remembering many birthdays that were spent with Lance, and some that weren't; what I learned before and what I've learned since, and so much more known only to ourselves. Above all, it's a time to feel deeply grateful for the man upon whose shoulders we stand.