Latest news with #PerthZoo
West Australian
a day ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Free Perth zoo and museum passes: WA foster families given free tickets during Foster and Family Carers Week
Free family tickets to Perth's zoo and museums are on offer again, but only for a few and only for a limited time. Passes are being offered to the State's 3,300 foster carer households as a show of appreciation, during Foster and Family Carers Week that starts on July 28. Minister for Child Protection Jessica Stojkovski said eligible families will save more than $300, while enjoying a day out. 'Families can apply for vouchers for either of the two museums and for the zoo, so, potentially, they could have three days out,' she said at the Boola Bardip museum on Thursday. 'These free passes are just one way that the Cook Labor Government is helping to support these families and giving them a little bit of joy.' The Minister said a permanent increase to the foster carer subsidy, that is currently up to $607.33 per fortnight for teenagers, is also being considered, as the Government launches a campaign to boost recruitment. 'It is certainly something that we're open to looking at,' she said. 'It's not designed, obviously to cover everything and as a foster family you do it for the passion and for the love of opening your home to somebody who really, really needs a safe place.' Every West Australian was eligible for up to four free tickets to Perth Zoo last year, as part of a major cost-of-living package, that was taken up by more than 215,000 people. Ms Stojkovski rejected the description of free zoo and museum tickets as 'bread and circuses' to distract voters from the long-term impact of cost of living issues on families and children. 'I don't think that's the right kind of characterisation of what this is,' she said. 'This is actually acknowledging that foster cares and families do a lot of great work for the most vulnerable people in our State, and this is just a way that we're celebrating them.' Louise and Rick Pekan currently have nine children in their home and wouldn't have it any other way, but admitted the helping hand does require a financial sacrifice. 'You're not in it for a profit at all, you're generally in it for a loss,' Ms Pekan said. 'We have extended a house, put on a $200,000 extension to be able to care for the children in our home. It's larger cars, its birthday parties and presents and things like that. 'So to be able to go to the museum, to the zoo, to take those family outings, particularly as a large family . . . it's really important to have these little opportunities for connection.' 16-year-old Nevaeh has grown up as a foster sibling, and described helping new members of the family as a rewarding experience. 'For me, it's normal. It's being able to be that sense of support and to support kids that are going through tough times. Our family really just strives to be that safe family for them in that time,' she said.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
When can we expect a South Perth train station?
South Perth will continue its long campaign for better public transport options, including construction of a train station and more ferry stops along the Swan River. Councillor Nic Coveney has called for council to continue its advocacy efforts for more ferry stops and the construction of a South Perth train station at an agenda briefing on Tuesday night. Mr Coveney's motion requests council acknowledge the challenge of managing increasing travel demands due to population growth and urban development, and ask the CEO to write a letter to the relevant WA government agencies for more public transport. His report included statistics regarding future projected population increases, number of residents currently using cars to commute, where residents work, and anticipated future road capacity. Traffic on Mill Point Road at 7am, backing up to Wesley College from the freeway entrance. Credit: Facebook The motion states that 71 per cent of South Perth residents work outside the city and 65 per cent of residents commute to work by car. It was also forecast that South Perth's population would grow to 66,000 by 2041 and that roads of significance might also reach 200 per cent capacity within the next few years. 'By 2041, the City of South Perth's population is forecast to rise, and visitor numbers to the Perth Zoo and the South Perth Foreshore are already booming.' Mr Coveney said in his report. He said that South Perth station was originally included in stage 1 of Metronet, but 'for reasons unclear', it did not progress. 'The Perth-Mandurah rail line includes land reserved to construct a future South Perth station. .. since the rail line was constructed in 2007,' he said. Infrastructure made to accommodate a potential South Perth station on Kwinana Freeway. Credit: Google Maps He also suggests that the city push for expanded ferry services to include Mends Street, and to investigate Como Jetty and Coode Street Jetty as additional stops. 'The time to act on advocacy of the South Perth train station and expanded ferry routes is now,' Mr Coveney said. South Perth mayor Greg Milner told PerthNow in June the State Government stated its commitment to construct a train station at South Perth in 2002 when the Perth to Mandurah line was first proposed, yet the station has never been built despite the significant population growth over the last 23 years. In 2017, the City made a bold train station precinct plan, which included all land between Richardson and Darley streets to the south and east, and Scott Street and Frasers Lane to the north. The area included in the train station precinct plans (2017). Credit: South Perth 'In the future, it is hoped that the State Government will construct a South Perth railway station at Richardson Street, to service Perth Zoo, local businesses and residents.' the plans state. 'Development in the precinct will create demand for the train station and help make its construction worthwhile.' If the motion is carried, the city will push for infrastructure investment, and seek clarification on the State Government's intentions and timelines. A Public Transport Authority spokesperson said South Perth is already 'very well served' by bus and ferry services, with high frequency during peak times. 'These bus and ferry services provide convenient and efficient connections to and from the Perth CBD and the passenger rail network.' they said. 'While the potential for a station was factored into the design of the existing Mandurah Line, it was determined there was not a need for a station in this location at the current time, or in the near future.' The spokesperson noted the Canning Bridge Bus Interchange project will also support improved public transport access into the broader South Perth area. 'With plans underway for a ferry service expansion on the Swan River, those living in South Perth will soon be able to travel by ferry to Applecross and UWA as part of Stage One of the project.' they said. 'Future ferry stops being considered include Point Fraser, Burswood Park, Optus Stadium and Claisebrook Cove.' Councillors will consider the motion at their ordinary council meeting on July 22.
Listly
09-07-2025
- Listly
Into the Wild: Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters Within Reach of Perth
A must-visit for anyone in Perth, the Perth Zoo is home to over 1200 animals from all over the globe, making it a true haven for international biodiversity. The zoo is located just a few minutes away from the Central Business District (CBD) and allows visitors to get as close to the animals as possible, while prioritising their safety. Young visitors will be thrilled to see giraffes, bears, African lions, and even get up close to native animals such as the Tasmanian devil, koalas, kangaroos, and even emus. Overall, the Perth Zoo is educational, immersive, and family-friendly, making it a must-visit for families.
Perth Now
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Unbearably cute! Perth Zoo's newest and cutest arrival
Animal lovers might just be lucky enough to spot Perth Zoo's newest and cutest arrival — a seven-month-old koala joey. The adorable joey has finally decided to venture outside its mother Mindjil's pouch and forage for some tasty eucalyptus leaves. The baby — born about the size of a jellybean — has been monitored closely over the past months as it began to poke a little pink arm or foot out of the pouch until it was ready to climb out and see the world. Now, as the joey grows in size and confidence, lucky visitors might see it hitching a ride on mum's back, providing the perfect opportunity to witness some koala-ty content. Perth Zoo Australian fauna keeper Bronte Winterbottom said the birth of the unbearably sweet addition to the zoo family was a big achievement. 'This joey is pretty special for all of us as it's one of the first we've had in a few years,' she said. 'Last week was the first time we saw the joey eating eucalyptus leaves, being a proper koala instead of just nursing off mum. The joey was born about the size of a jellybean late last year to first-time mum Mindjil and dad Laurie. Credit: Perth Zoo / Perth Zoo 'The whole milestone process is pretty slow because a lot of Australian marsupials take a long time to grow and develop, so that's why we aren't expecting (it) to be independent until at least another whole year.' Perth Zoo visitors should be on the lookout for the joey, with their best chance to see the furry face during a free koala keeper talk, which runs at 3pm four times a week. It's hoped keepers will be able to successfully record the gender of the joey in the coming weeks. The joey's parents arrived just last year as part of Perth Zoo's role in the regionally coordinated koala breeding program. Despite being a Perth Zoo favourite, koalas — who sleep up to 20 hours a day — are not native to WA. In the wild, they're found in South Australia and throughout bushland in the eastern states.
West Australian
18-06-2025
- General
- West Australian
Perth Zoo visitors to get a glimpse of baby koala, parents birth joey in first breeding season
Animal lovers might just be lucky enough to spot Perth Zoo's newest and cutest arrival — a seven-month-old koala joey. The adorable joey has finally decided to venture outside its mother Mindjil's pouch and forage for some tasty eucalyptus leaves. The baby — born about the size of a jellybean — has been monitored closely over the past months as it began to poke a little pink arm or foot out of the pouch until it was ready to climb out and see the world. Now, as the joey grows in size and confidence, lucky visitors might see it hitching a ride on mum's back, providing the perfect opportunity to witness some koala-ty content. Perth Zoo Australian fauna keeper Bronte Winterbottom said the birth of the unbearably sweet addition to the zoo family was a big achievement. 'This joey is pretty special for all of us as it's one of the first we've had in a few years,' she said. 'Last week was the first time we saw the joey eating eucalyptus leaves, being a proper koala instead of just nursing off mum. 'The whole milestone process is pretty slow because a lot of Australian marsupials take a long time to grow and develop, so that's why we aren't expecting (it) to be independent until at least another whole year.' Perth Zoo visitors should be on the lookout for the joey, with their best chance to see the furry face during a free koala keeper talk, which runs at 3pm four times a week. It's hoped keepers will be able to successfully record the gender of the joey in the coming weeks. The joey's parents arrived just last year as part of Perth Zoo's role in the regionally coordinated koala breeding program. Despite being a Perth Zoo favourite, koalas — who sleep up to 20 hours a day — are not native to WA. In the wild, they're found in South Australia and throughout bushland in the eastern states.
