State Government secures future of Bunbury's Dolphin Discovery Centre

Friday, 12 April 2024 09:05

By Monique Welhan

Bunbury's Dolphin Discovery Centre has been handed a lifeline. PIC: Dolphin Discovery Centre/Facebook

The Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury has been handed a lifeline with the State Government stepping in to secure its long term future.

The popular tourist attraction and non-profit organisation went into voluntary administration in February citing financial difficulties and the resignation of a number of board members along with the chief executive.

On Friday, Regional Development Minister Don Punch announced a $1.5 million funding package that will enable the Centre to exit voluntary administration, clear debts with creditors and establish a sustainable ongoing operation.

"I have been a long-time supporter of the Dolphin Discovery Centre and it has been a priority of mine to ensure that this much-loved asset remains an important part of Bunbury's future," Minister Punch said.

"I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the staff and volunteers of the Dolphin Discovery Centre - and encourage people to show their support by visiting the centre and enjoying what it has to offer including an interpretative centre, and opportunities to interact with wild dolphins."

An advisory group led by the South West Development Commission has also been formed which will explore and recommend new tourism and hospitality activities at the facility.

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