Young workers cement part in proud new dolphin facility

A handful of young Bunbury apprentices are among those who can proudly add the new-look Dolphin Discovery Centre to their resumes as the impressive facility makes a splash with visitors.

Perkins Builders employed eight apprentices to help deliver the multi-million-dollar project and project manager Jaco Bosman said the young workers did their bit.

“It’s good for them to be involved with an iconic project like this that’s on your doorstep,” Mr Bosman said.

“It’s something that they’ll look back on fondly in years to come as they gain experience. And they can say ‘I cut my teeth on that one’.”

It comes as local contractors and suppliers are being hailed for their involvement and the success of the new landmark and iconic building.

The project — delivered by Bunbury-based Perkins and designed by Bunbury practice MCG Architects — involved 46 contractors and suppliers with 204 workers playing a part in the construction.

South West Development Commission acting chief executive officer Rebecca Ball said Bunbury and the wider region was home to many “terrific” businesses and a skilled workforce.

“We are pleased so many local people and businesses were able to work on this State Government-funded project,” Ms Ball said.

“The new centre is not only a terrific facility that the local community can be proud of and tourists will love visiting, but it is also testament to local capability.”

Apprentice Tristan Ugle told the South Western Times he felt proud to work on the project.

“I’ve been on it since the start, to see it come to completion is pretty cool,” the 20-year-old said.

Mr Bosman said the project was one Perkins did not want to miss out on.

“For us, that’s one of the key projects in Bunbury, it’s one of the most visible projects and to be involved with a project like that ... being a local contractor, that’s what you want to do, you want to be in the prime position for the local projects,” he said.

“Obviously with local business, we’re going to be using local contractors and that’s all guys and girls that are actually going to be using that facility, taking their families there.

“It was a big team effort and just shows what the local guys can do – local architects, local builder, local workers, which is good.”