Today the Nearkey Biik Education and Environment Centre was formally opened in Endeavor Fern Gully, following the completion of its construction, enabled by a $188,000 grant from the former Federal Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
The grant, announced in 2021, was achieved due to the exceptional advocacy efforts of former Member for Flinders, The Hon. Greg Hunt.
The Nearkey Biik Education and Environment Centre will serve as a facility for students to engage in hands-on learning about our natural environment, all within the Mornington Peninsula’s original rain forest.
What began as a project to construct a toilet for volunteers at the National Trust property, has turned into a fully-fledged education facility, thanks to the generous contributions of local philanthropists, Mornington Peninsula Shire, and the Federal Government.
Mr Hunt, former Member for Flinders, commented that “it has been a long and challenging road; however the magnificent outcome is a testament to love of the environment and the gift to future generations”.
Kristen Stegley AM, President of the National Trust of Victoria Foundation, speaking at the opening, said of the project that “it’s a wonderful story of how when generous people come together and join with well-directed public funding, you make extraordinary things happen”.
Federal Member for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie MP, in attendance at the opening today, reiterated her commitment to preserving the world-class local Peninsula environment.
Ms McKenzie commented that “I’m thrilled that the Nearkey Biik Environmental and Education Centre has come to life today. It will provide invaluable education on preserving our beautiful natural sites on the Mornington Peninsula like the Endeavour Fern Gully”.
“I would like to thank the many volunteers and community advocates who have made this project happen”.
ENDS.
