$2.2m+ Lotterywest boost for wetlands precinct

The City of Cockburn has congratulated The Wetlands Centre Cockburn (TWCC) and WA Wildlife (WAW) which recently received generous Lotterywest grants totalling more than $2.2 million.   The two groups sit within the City’s unique Cockburn Wetlands Precinct at Walliabup-Bibra Lake which has undergone a $6m City-funded upgrade to provide an improved environmental asset for the whole community and its three tenants; TWCC, WAW (formerly Native ARC) and Bibra Lake Scouts.   The funding will help the organisations complete the fit out associated with the precinct’s upgrade which is the culmination of a vision for the area that began taking shape 20 years ago.    Willagee MLA Peter Tinley presented WAW with a $1.469 million cheque on 25 June and returned to present TWCC with a $800,836 cheque on 20 July.   City of Cockburn Acting Head of Sustainability and Environment Chris Beaton said the Lotterywest funding would enhance the not-for-profit organisations’ vital roles in Cockburn and the wider Perth metropolitan area as respected training providers for community members and dedicated volunteers undertaking wetlands and native fauna conservation, education, restoration and rehabilitation.

TWCC Executive Officer Denise Crosbie said the grant would help complete refurbishment of the centre’s environmental education room, nursery, office, hall, kitchen and meeting room.

It would also provide improved interactive displays and furnishings, security, IT, occupational health and safety, weather and environmental monitoring, toilets and outdoor assets including an amphitheatre, fencing, signage, pathways, landscaping and irrigation and accessible tables.

“We will also embark on a community engagement program that will engage educational consultants to review, evaluate and modify existing programs developed over the last 20 years and incorporate Aboriginal cultural knowledge into programs from Pre-primary to Year 12,” Ms Crosbie said.

“Once completed, the objective is to develop appropriate written and online materials that align to the WA education curriculum.  The Centre will work closely with Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal groups to develop the program.”

WAW Director of Operations Dean Huxley said the funding boost would allow the fit out of its specialised veterinary hospital, including medical equipment, plus the original farmhouse for its new role as a dedicated education and training facility.

The funds will also allow the installation of new enclosures for animal rehabilitation and dedicated education programs.   The wetlands precinct is in Beeliar Regional Park with the original wetlands centre constructed almost 30 years and WAW establishing its operations in a circa 1940s farmhouse on the property more than 20 years ago.

Photo -  Back row: left to right Gavin Waugh – TWCC Board: Ordinary member Bart Houwen – Board: Ordinary member Elder Neville Collard Cr Philip Eva – Board: honorary member Hon Stephen Pratt MLC Mayor Logan Howlett Denise Crosbie – TWCC Staff: Executive Officer Hon. Peter Charles Tinley AM, MLA BA, MDefStud Tom Perrigo – Board: Chairperson   Front row: left to right Rohit Kanchi – TWCC Volunteer Barbara Hostalek – Board: Ordinary member Elder Marie Taylor – Board: Deputy Chairperson Mrs Pat Howlett Gina Pickering – Board: Ordinary member Danielle Tyrls – Staff: Executive Assistant Dr Catherine Baudains – Staff: Environmental Education Officer Karl Haynes – Board: Treasurer