Stretching almost 100 metres across Port Fairy’s South Beach, the midday event was one of 113 synchronised events held across the globe.

The ‘Hands Across the Sand’ event was held to raise awareness about the dangers of ‘dirty fuels’ and the need to speed the transition to clean energy solutions. 

The event was held in conjunction with The Wilderness Society and The Great Australian Bight Alliance’s #Fight For the Bight campaign.

Event organiser and keen surfer Ben Druitt said he hoped the day’s activities showed that the community was united in its opposition to drilling in and around the Great Australian Bight.

“It was a fantastic turnout,” he said. “There were more than 300 people counted which was well over our target.

“I believe it sends a powerful message to council that there is a lot of care and concern about the environment within this community.

“Our next step is to work with council and encourage them to become leaders in this space.

“We’re hoping to present our concerns at the next meeting on Tuesday night.”

Mr Druitt said his links with the environmental groups stemmed from his surfing.

“As a surfer you spend a lot of time in the ocean,” he said. “You see a lot of changes.

“We have the most energetic ocean on the planet right here on our doorstep (Southern Ocean) and it’s time to make a stand and protect it now.”