AUTHORS

Greg Dudley
Greg Dudley
Partner
Travis Kukura
Travis Kukura
Director
Jerome Mohen
Partner, Restructuring & Recovery

Professional services firm, RSM Australia were appointed on 26 February 2024 as Voluntary Administrators of the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury, an established and well-known tourism and hospitality business located in the South West region of Western Australia.  

RSM Partners and National Directors Recovery and Restructuring, Greg Dudley, Travis Kukura and Jerome Mohen were appointed as Joint and Several Voluntary Administrators of the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Inc, trading as the Dolphin Discovery Centre (“DDC”) as a result of the DDC’s trading performance being impacted by several factors in recent years.   

Mr Mohen said the DDC continues to run a number of initiatives and programs for the benefit of the community, as it has done for a number of decades.  

The primary objectives of the DDC, as stated in its constitution, are:bunbury dolphin discovery centre

  • the conservation of marine animals and their environment;
  • education to the public and schools;
  • research into the well-being of marine animals and their natural environment;
  • to promote tourism generally in the region and support destination marketing strategies; and 
  • to provide volunteering opportunities; and to develop and maintain networks with like-minded institutions, organisations, and individuals. 

Mr Mohen said RSM were advised that the DDC’s trading performance had been affected by several factors including the covid-19 pandemic, increased supply costs, and staffing challenges, particularly in hospitality.  

“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,” he 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 the aquariums in the dolphin interpretive centre and tour operations were envisaged to remain open during the administration period, including the upcoming school holidays.  

However, RSM are now in the process of conducting an urgent review of the incorporated association's operations, including the hospitality component of the business.   

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

“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.”  

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Any creditors who require further information can contact RSM on (08) 9261 9293.  
Members of the association who have any queries or wish to discuss the appointment of the administrators are encouraged to contact members of the Board. 

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