15 May 2008

This weekend (Sunday 18 May) Camp Quality and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority will provide a special experience for more than 120 children and their families by taking them out to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The trip has been made possible thanks to staff fund raising at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the proceeds given to the Authority for winning the Eureka Prize for Biodiversity Research in 2005.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Chairman Russell Reichelt said he was pleased the Authority’s staff could support the reef trip, which would create a very special family experience for the kids and their families.

“In Townsville Sunsea Cruises is assisting the Authority and Camp Quality’s efforts to make the reef trip a success.  The joint coordination of the Townsville reef trip will provide a wonderful day and an amazing reef experience for these children and their families,” he said.

“I am pleased with the efforts of the Authority’s staff in getting behind such a positive movement in assisting others.  Many of the staff used their own time to support this worthwhile cause and it is great to see the proceeds of the Eureka Prize again being put to good use.

“I only hope that other organisations and the public see the example that the staff at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority are setting and follow suit in supporting the work undertaken by Camp Quality and other similar organisations,” said Mr Reichelt.

Camp Quality’s North Queensland Area Manager Lorraine Duve said the children and their families were looking forward to the reef trip and that they were thankful for the support of the Authority’s staff.

“Everyone is very excited about this weekend’s trip with many going to the reef for the first time.  It’s wonderful that this has all been made possible with the support of the Authority and Sunsea Cruises,” she said.

Darin McDonald, General Manager of Sunsea Cruises said they couldn’t wait to host the kids and their families on the day and look forward to showing them a great day out on the reef which would be extra special as this year it’s International Year of the Reef.

“The staff and management think it’s great that we have the opportunity to show these kids and their families a great reef experience as part of our commitment to supporting the local community.” he said.

Three other similar reef trips have also been organised with the assistance of other tourism operators off Cairns, Airlie Beach and Yeppoon.