Minister delivers $500,000 cheque to Albany's Whale World

8/1/03
Tourism Minister Clive Brown today visited the Great Southern region to present a Lotteries Commission cheque for $522,729 to the popular tourist attraction Whale World in Albany.
Whale World has been owned and operated by the Jaycees Community Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation for the past 23 years.
"The grant will facilitate the restoration of the whaling station's derrick, barometric tower and cutting up deck to near-original operating condition, with an audio simulation of the way it was," Mr Brown said.
"Part of the grant will also help restore the Panorama Tower or Hall of Fame, which will help to recreate characters that used to work at the station or on the whaling ships."
Both of these new exhibits are scheduled for official opening in July, 2003.
While in the Great Southern, Mr Brown also unveiled a plaque to celebrate the completion of the Wilson Inlet Foreshore Project in Denmark.
The project included construction and provision of seating, cycle racks, planting and interpretive signage, pontoon floating bridges and shelter.
"The aim of the project is to enhance visitors' use and experience of the Prawn Rock Channel, by using the dual-use pathway for cycling or walking," the Minister said.
He also visited Mount Barker to present a cheque and open the extensions to the Refresh Gallery.
The block-mounted photographic gallery combines anecdotal stories from the early 1900s, with historical facts about the region.
"The gallery promotes the district's history by incorporating historic displays into this magnificent building," Mr Brown said.
"The Great Southern region is becoming more of a drawcard for tourists not only because of the wines here, but because it is so rich in history."
Minister's office: 9222 9699