Western Australian dolphins are breaching for joy with an upgrade and extension of The Dolphin Discovery Centre in the State’s South West.
The Centre, based in Bunbury, is a chance for locals and tourists to interact and absorb first-hand knowledge of these magnificent mammals.
The upgrade and expansion attracted a $600,431 Lotterywest grant, which helped build Western Australia's freshest tourism experience in the heart of the South-West region.
Lotterywest CEO Susan Hunt PSM said the grant was a chance to support conservation in the region.
“We are lucky to live in a state full of wildlife that can not only be used as a tourism drawcard, but a chance to demonstrate important conservation messages,” she said.
“Lotterywest has been proud to contribute towards upgrades supporting conservation and research benefiting marine mammals in our south west.”
Housed in a landmark building which tells a local Noongar story, the new-look facility includes an interpretative centre incorporating 13 aquariums, interactive exhibits, children's activity centre, a 360-degree digital dolphinarium, as well as a café and function rooms.
Thousands of people have already taken up the chance to visit the new and improved centre since its staged reopening began in December, with reviews from visitors and residents overwhelmingly positive.
Lotterywest is unique – it remains the only lottery in Australia which is State Government owned and operated with a majority of money spent on tickets going back to the people of WA through prizes and grants.
