bushtelegraph
Victorians Ride the Wave
While only 25 beaches nationally classify for surfing-reserve
status, Victorians are welcoming their first addition to the
prestigious mix: Phillip Island. Four of the island's beaches have
been recognised by the National Surfing Reserves Committee for
the high quality of their surf, the surrounding natural environment,
and the communities they attract. www.surfingreserves.org.au
Honourable mention
People who selflessly help others deserve to be acknowledged
and one such couple who have been doing their bit in regional
NSW is Andrew John McDougall, CEO of OCTEC, and his
wife and former OCTEC employee Deanne Phillips. They were
both recently recognised for their service to the community
when presented with an Order of Australia Medal. OCTEC is a
Disability Employment Services provider and operator of Huntley
Berry Farm in Central West NSW, which gives people with a
disability the chance at employment. Over the past 20 years the
organisation has assisted hundred of disadvantaged and young
people to make a difference in their lives, and to give them the
dignity of employment. www.octec.org.au
Tropical Wonder
Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden hopes to
lure a further 70,000 visitors per year with
its exciting Top End Biome project. Due to
start construction at the end of the year, with
completion expected by mid-2015, the Biome
will faithfully recreate entire ecosystems from
Australia's tropical Top End as well as New
Guinea's cloud forests and other parts of
South-East Asia. Plants, birds, insects, lizards
and other native animals will fill the landscapes
and waterways with a stunning array of sights,
sounds and smells. Vistors will also be able
to take a canopy walk that starts inside the
Biome and extends out into the treetops of the
surrounding Botanic Garden.
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