We, the science party of Leg 182 of the Ocean Drilling Program, express our thanks and appreciation to all those who provided the invaluable help that made the drilling expedition to the Great Australian Bight an outstanding success. In particular, we recognize that Leg 182 could not have occurred without the superb site-survey data and other support provided by the Australian Geological Survey Organisation. Leg 182 benefited greatly from the tireless support of the captain, crew, and ODP technicians aboard the JOIDES Resolution. The high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide encountered at many of the sites during our leg placed the drill crew and the ODP technical staff under immense pressure. We are extremely grateful that they rose to the significant challenges presented by these conditions and took on the tough physical workload that made it possible for us to achieve our shipboard goals. In addition, we thank the operational staff, drill crew, and shore-based ODP staff for indulging our persistent and finally successful attempts to core coarse-grained sediments in shallow waters, at the extreme operational limits for JOIDES Resolution drilling. Finally, the hard work and competence of the ODP Publication Services staff have been instrumental in the timely publication of this volume.