23/09/2025
Love working with regional businesses seeking to make a positive change
π Congratulations to the team at Billabong Zoo and Koala Wildlife Park in Port Macquarie, who I visited last week with Kevin Hogan MP β they've just taken home FOUR awards at the 2025 Mid North Coast Business Awards!
πΏ The zoo is a great local icon and a key tourism facility and it was great to see the fantastic work theyβre doing first-hand. I spoke with Mark, Blake, Cara Dale (Business Consultant), and the team, and it was great to learn about all the facility offers as well as future projects.
π¨ Iβd like to see Billabong Zoo given more opportunity to take part in federally funded native breeding programs. Theyβve proven their capability and clearly have the expertise to contribute meaningfully to conservation.
π£ Iβm advocating on their behalf with the Minister for the Environment to ensure theyβre considered for future programs and support.
Their four recent awards include:
πΏ Outstanding Visitor Experience
πΏ Excellence in Large Business
πΏ Outstanding Employee (for their amazing Koala Keeper Kelsie π¨π)
πΏ Business of the Year
πThese awards are a well-deserved recognition of their hard work, dedication, and the incredible experience they offer visitors and wildlife alike. I wish them every success as they head to the NSW State Awards in Sydney β I'm sure they'll continue do the Mid North Coast proud!
ποΈ If you havenβt been recently, itβs well worth a visit! Check out their website to learn more: https://www.billabongzoo.com.au/