Grants helps Bunbury tourism reputation

One of Bunbury’s biggest tourist attractions, the Dolphin Discovery Centre, has received a $70,000-plus Lotterywest grant.

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli was more than happy to hand over the generous cheque on behalf of Lotterywest, to help the centre set up vital IT systems and a turtle aquarium.

Mr Castrilli said he was pleased with the growth of the centre since its humble beginnings.

“I think the centre’s volunteer staff and management are doing a fantastic job in putting Bunbury on the map and it’s a great contribution to the region’s tourism industry.”

Centre general manager David Kerr said he was grateful for the grant, which was a significant step in the centre’s five-year redevelopment strategy.

He said it was important to keep the centre’s big picture in mind and spend the money towards improving the centre for the future.

“In the past we have relied on secondhand donated equipment such as computers,” he said.

“Now we will be able to have a properly integrated system, which will allow us to better monitor the water systems and help with our new turtle enclosure.”

Mr Kerr said the grant would also help the centre maintain its high tourism reputation.

“Of our attendees, 52 per cent are international people,” he said.

“We hope to further our facility and increase our reputation to bring more tourists in to town.”

The centre’s annual open day will be held on Saturday.