A RELAXED crowd of nearly 100 people enjoyed a sundowner and entertainment at Bunbury’s Dolphin Discovery Centre on Friday night.
The event marked the opening of the weekend’s Dolphin City Festival and the opening of the dolphin season in Bunbury.
Dolphin Centre general manager David Kerr welcomed guests and spoke about new plans to develop the centre into one of the country’s premier tourist attractions.
Troy Bennell and Noongar elder Uncle Francis led a welcome to country and traditional aboriginal smoking ceremony, before an evening of entertainment and finger food.
A highlight was cutting the cake to celebrate the centre’s 25th anniversary in Bunbury.
Bill Robins proudly performed the honours, assisted by Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan, Bunbury MLA John Castrilli and South West Development Commission’s Don Punch.
Mr Robins was one of the first volunteers in 1989 when the centre consisted of a sea container, a borrowed caravan and two portable toilets.
The centre was built in 1994,” Mr Robins said.
“We’ve had a lot of volunteers over that time. They’ve been great.”
Mr Robins received a certificate of appreciation from then Prime Minister John Howard in 2004, and was awarded Citizen of the Year in 2009. He now volunteers at the Dardanup Heritage Park.
WEEKEND EVENTS
There are a range of free events over the weekend as part of the Dolphin Festival.
On Saturday the 18th October from 9am to 3pm, come and join in the fun and enjoy the family Open Day at the Dolphin Discovery Centre. With free entry and loads of activities there is something for everyone.
Bouncy Castles – Crafty Corner – Wildlife Rescue Animals – Facepainting – special appearances from GWN7’s Doopa Dog, Chester the Times Tiger and Louie the Dolphin – Cultural dance, art and storytime workshops for the kids – learn to fish – live entertainment all day – Special Dolphin Eco Cruises run every hour – Introduction of the new Dolphin Tram Shuttle and more. Celebrate 25 years of history and toast another 25 years! Don’t forget FREE Entry!
Saturday
9am – Gates Open
9.30am – Marine Scene Art Workshop 1hr
10am – Sing Australia Perform (30min)
10am – Meet Louie the mascot for DDC
10am – Dolphin Eco Cruise departs (45min, $25pp)
10.30am – Bunbury City Band Performance (1hr)
10.30am – Fishing Clinic commences on the beach
11am – Dolphin Eco Cruise departs (45min, $25pp)
11am – Meet GWN7’s Doopa Dog
11am – Marine Scene Art Workshop 1hr
11.30am – Mr David Smith in the theatre room, how
his mother played an integral part in the dolphins of Bunbury
11.45am – Official Opening over loud speaker & Welcome to Country
12noon – Cultural Dance Performance
12noon – Dolphin Eco Cruise departs (45min, $25pp)
12.30pm – Bunbury City Band Resumes (1hr)
12.30pm – Marine Scene Art Workshop 1hr
1pm – Meet Chester the Times Tiger
1pm – Fishing Clinic commences on the beach
1pm – Dolphin Eco Cruise departs (45min, $25pp)
1.30pm – GWN7’s Doopa Dog Show
2pm – Australind Band Performance (1hr)
2pm – Marine Scene Art Workshop 1hr
2pm – Dolphin Eco Cruise departs (45min, $25pp)
3pm – Dolphin Eco Cruise departs (45min, $25pp)
3pm – Gates Close