Fleay friends get connected
Published Monday, 09 July, 2007 at 02:45 PM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
People who have volunteered their time at David Fleay Wildlife Park (DFWP) over the past two decades joined together to celebrate their time at the park today, Monday July 9.
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today congratulated the volunteers for their commitment and on-going contributions which had resulted in a reputable wildlife establishment on the Gold Coast.
“Thousands of volunteer hours have been dedicated to the park, renowned for its research and conservation of native wildlife,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The volunteers have been integral to the park’s day-to-day management, assisting with wildlife care, guided boardwalk tours, park maintenance and administration.
“The event, called Celebrating Connections, is an opportunity for them to share their personal experiences at the park and reunite with past associates and friends.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said a volunteers’ group, Friends of Fleay’s, was incorporated in 1997.
“Volunteers play a significant part in the visitor experience, with many people expressing gratitude towards our volunteers simply because they are everyday people who care and are doing their best to help in wildlife conservation.
“A special guest will be Mrs Rosemary Fleay Thomson, daughter of park founder Dr David Fleay.
“Dr Fleay had formal qualifications in zoology, botany and education and a passion for wildlife and the bush.
“He was a pioneer in captive breeding programs and Queensland’s native wildlife research. He bred the first platypus in captivity in 1943.
“In 1952, he established West Burleigh Fauna Reserve, now DFWP, the only wildlife park on the Gold Coast which continues to be home to Australia’s native platypus.
“DFWP was transferred to the Queensland Government in 1983 to ensure the legacy of David Fleay continues as a public education and research facility.”
DFWP at West Burleigh Road, West Burleigh, is run by the Environmental Protection Agency and is open every day from 9am to 5pm (except Christmas Day, and Anzac Day morning).
For more information on volunteering, please call (07) 5576 2411 or go to www.epa.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Lisa Gilby 3336 8002
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today congratulated the volunteers for their commitment and on-going contributions which had resulted in a reputable wildlife establishment on the Gold Coast.
“Thousands of volunteer hours have been dedicated to the park, renowned for its research and conservation of native wildlife,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The volunteers have been integral to the park’s day-to-day management, assisting with wildlife care, guided boardwalk tours, park maintenance and administration.
“The event, called Celebrating Connections, is an opportunity for them to share their personal experiences at the park and reunite with past associates and friends.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said a volunteers’ group, Friends of Fleay’s, was incorporated in 1997.
“Volunteers play a significant part in the visitor experience, with many people expressing gratitude towards our volunteers simply because they are everyday people who care and are doing their best to help in wildlife conservation.
“A special guest will be Mrs Rosemary Fleay Thomson, daughter of park founder Dr David Fleay.
“Dr Fleay had formal qualifications in zoology, botany and education and a passion for wildlife and the bush.
“He was a pioneer in captive breeding programs and Queensland’s native wildlife research. He bred the first platypus in captivity in 1943.
“In 1952, he established West Burleigh Fauna Reserve, now DFWP, the only wildlife park on the Gold Coast which continues to be home to Australia’s native platypus.
“DFWP was transferred to the Queensland Government in 1983 to ensure the legacy of David Fleay continues as a public education and research facility.”
DFWP at West Burleigh Road, West Burleigh, is run by the Environmental Protection Agency and is open every day from 9am to 5pm (except Christmas Day, and Anzac Day morning).
For more information on volunteering, please call (07) 5576 2411 or go to www.epa.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Lisa Gilby 3336 8002