Since the launch of the official fundraiser at the Aquarium Wharf Restaurant on Friday, October 23, news has spread far and wide about their production that highlights the plight of one of Australia’s most treasured icons, the Great Barrier Reef.

“Everything just seems to be happening for AQUA,” Ms Richter said.

“We had a very successful fundraiser at the Wharf Restaurant, and since then ABC Television has done a story and Dr Mike Kelly has premiered the movie at Parliament House.

“We’re really excited with the amount of interest and support given to the movie and hopefully it will make a difference to climate change debate and protecting the Great Barrier Reef.”

ABC TV flew into Merimbula on Wednesday, November 18, to film a report that appeared during yesterday’s, Tuesday, midday news and last night’s 7pm news bulletin.

National Radio’s Fran Kelly interviewed the two women at 6.20am on Monday and their story was part of the lead on the ABC’s 7am state news bulletin yesterday, Tuesday.

Federal Member for Eden Monaro, Doctor Mike Kelly, attended the fundraiser, and along with Climate Change and Water senator Penny Wong, screened AQUA at Parliament House on Monday, November 26 on the cusp of the decision on the Carbon Reductions Pollution Bill.

“Copenhagen is so close and to receive this much support has been amazing,” Ms Richter said.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported the project.”

Ms Houston and Ms Richter will take AQUA to the United Nations Climate Change Conference at Copenhagen in December.

Dr Kelly paid tribute to the filmmakers: “AQUA tells the story of the Great Barrier Reef under the impact of climate change.”

“If we don’t get our carbon emissions target right, we could lose the reef.

“I would like to pay tribute to the efforts of Toni Houston and Bettina Richter for doing our region proud with this magnificent and important production.”

Scientists say the Great Barrier Reef could be dead as soon as 2050 if action is not taken to protect it now.

The filmmmakers will screen AQUA for the Bega Valley community on their return from Copenhagen.