Dolphin Discovery Centre in administration

Bunbury's iconic Dolphin Discovery Centre has been placed into voluntary administration. 

In a written statement on Wednesday, RSM Australia confirmed it had stepped in to assist the not-for-profit tourism and hospitality business, which had seen its trading performance negatively impacted for a variety of reasons over the past few years.

Up until June 30 2023, the DDC posted a net deficit after tax of $39,884, according to its recently released financial statement. 

"The management committee, which has recently been appointed following the recent resignation of several board members and the CEO, have formed the opinion that the DDC may experience significant cash flow difficulties in the short term future,” RSM Australia's Jerome Mohen said.

“And accordingly, the committee found it necessary to appoint voluntary administrators to the incorporated association.

“Under the administration, the DDC will continue trading as business as usual, except for some temporary modifications to the current hospitality operations.”

Mr Mohen said RSM Australia had begun an urgent review into the DDC's operations. 

“It is anticipated that the restaurant offering may be reduced in the short term,” he said.

“And prior to our appointment, the board recently made the difficult decision to not proceed with the Utopia beach festival event, which was scheduled for early March.

“We will be working closely with relevant stakeholders including the board, staff, volunteers, and local government with the view to restructure the ongoing funding and operations of the centre, intended to ensure the long-term future and ongoing viability of the DDC.

“We understand the value and significance of the DDC to the local community, especially the numerous locals who continue to volunteer their time to the association, and we appreciate their and the community’s continued support during the administration, whilst the necessary changes to funding and operations can be implemented.”

Wednesday's news marks the latest setback for Bunbury's tourism. 

Last month, it was announced the regional city would miss out on its annual Groovin the Moo music festival in May due to insufficient ticket sales.

Additionally, Transwa's Australind train service between Perth and Bunbury is likely to remain off the tracks until the middle of 2025, due to significant upgrades to the Armadale train line, which links rail passengers to the South West. 

This means until then, tourists can only travel via road coach or car between Perth and Bunbury.