OAKVALE Wildlife Park has been awarded bronze at the Australian Tourism Awards for Tourist Attractions at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre Queensland.

The Australian Tourism Awards are the tourism industry’s peak awards – recognising and promoting excellence in tourism.

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First established by the Federal Government in 1985, the Australian Tourism Awards are now owned and managed by Australian Tourism Awards Inc, on behalf of the tourism industry.

A wide and diverse range of tourism businesses enter their state and territory Tourism Awards and over 200 reach the prestigious status of becoming a national finalist.

Winners from these finalists are announced at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards Ceremony in front of an audience of their industry leaders and peers.

Kent and Leanne Sansom, owners of Oakvale Wildlife Park, were elated to accept the award.

“It was such a special moment for us and the team, we are so honoured to receive this award, to be recognised at this level is a wonderful achievement.

“It was a blessing to be able to celebrate in a room full of amazing tourism operators from around Australia.

Kent and Leanne thanked the “Oakvale family” for all their support and hard work in growing the business.

“We would not have achieved this award if it wasn’t for our amazing team, the dedication and passion they demonstrate in all aspects of the business, which ensure we continue to improve, grow, develop, and provide our visitors with an amazing and educational hands-on wildlife experience while continuing to deliver above and beyond our customers’ expectations, we are so very lucky to have them a part of the Oakvale family.”

Despite a tough two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple are thankful for all the support of the local community, ensuring that the doors to the wildlife park have remained open.

“We look forward to taking the award back to the park and celebrating with our staff this wonderful achievement,” they said.

Oakvale Wildlife Park has been family owned and operated since 1979, located in Port Stephens.

Set on 25 acres of open natural bushland, Oakvale features over 110 different species of animals, with an endless menagerie of Australian native and domestic farm animals including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingos and more.

Oakvale provides a full day of family-friendly fun and entertainment with guests having access to experiences, shows and attractions that are included in one entry fee in a relaxed, hands-on atmosphere.

By Tara CAMPBELL