508 Signatures
1,000 for collection target
Petition is addressed to: Parks Tasmania
Richard Bennett has photographed the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race for over 50 years. For the past decade, he has shot the race from a helicopter. He waits on Tasman Island for the boats to approach, lifting off to capture the yachts against the dramatic backdrop of Tasmania's rugged coastline. This year, the helicopter company that has the license to land on Tasman has been forced to sell their helicopters due to the loss of a government tender. Richard is seeking a 3-day license from Parks Tasmania to land on Tasman to photograph the race. They have rejected the request. Support Richard to seek a review of the request so he can capture the images you love for the 80th Sydney-Hobart.
Reason
Richard's mission has been to photograph every yacht in every race, illustrating the incredible journey of yachties across the Bass Strait. This year marks the 80th Sydney to Hobart, with a fleet of 140+ boats. If Richard cannot land on Tasman, many yachts will miss out on an image, and or, have an image that does not feature the Tasmanian coastline. The additional air time to fly back and forth to the Tasmanian mainland will also increase the cost of photographing the race significantly, and drive up the price of yacht race images.
Thank you for your support, Richard Bennett Photography, Hobart
Question to the initiator
Petition details
Petition started:
11/13/2025
Collection ends:
12/15/2025
Region:
Tasmania
Topic:
Sports
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new language versionWhy people sign
There is no photographer I know who cares more deeply for the environment and man’s place within it. As people push themselves to meet nature’s challenge while showing respect for her, it is people like Richard who ensure that there is a visual record to show others what it is to work alongside nature herself.
His legacy and ability to tell the story of what is one of the greatest maritime races in the world speaks for itself. Richard has built a career ensuring that others understand our place in nature and how to appreciate and respect the world around us as we posture our dreams.
If anyone deserves the right to tell these stories and the story of this race form the very heart of the action… it is Richard Bennett !
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Richard’s photos are an important record of the history of. Tasmania and the race.