Struggling marine centre discovers funding option with auction night

Jessica Benton
A COMMUNITY group will host a fundraising event to keep Queenscliff’s marine centre afloat.
Friends of the Marine Discovery Centre’s Anne Hillis said the sustainable seafood supper and auction night later this month would provide a funding boost for the centre’s school programs while raising awareness of the facility.
“The whole point of it is to have fun, learn something and help the centre,” she said.
The friends group formed a couple of years ago to help support the struggling centre.
The Independent reported in 2007 that a State Government funding shortfall had forced the centre to close on weekends, halve operating hours during the week and axe school holiday programs and activities.
Ms Hillis said the centre had since increased its holiday programs and volunteer base.
The fundraiser would include a selection of sustainable seafood and wines as well as an “informative presentation” from one of the centre’s marine biologist, she said.
Local identity and real estate agent James Gladman would entertain guests.
Ms Hillis said businesses had donated food, wine, products and vouchers for the second annual auction.
“Last year we raised just over $2000. This sort of money goes along way and is enough to be able to add onto some of the things we already do at the centre.”
“We’re hoping we can top what we raised last year by another $500.”
The event will be at Department of Primary Industry’s Swan Bay Room, Queenscliff, from 6.30pm on October 30.
Ms Hillis asked anyone seeking bookings or more information to phone 5255 5257.