Enjoy our own backyard

WE DON’T always take the time to stop and appreciate what’s in our own backyard and I think the residents of the Yarra Ranges are indeed spoilt.
Not only do we have the wonderful Yarra Valley at our doorstep with all of the produce, food and fabulous wine that it has to offer but we also have the stunning scenery and walks, and the world-acclaimed Healesville Sanctuary.
Often it is the people who live closest to a particular attraction who visit it the least.
I was fortunate last week to be invited to the launch of the Sanctuary’s new Fearsome to Awesome Reptile Show.
The show focuses on our reptiles and emphasises their uniqueness, majesty, their link to the dinosaur age as well as highlighting some of the more scary elements we may associate with snakes.
The display is held in the Flight Centre where the fabulous “Birds of Prey” show takes place.
The new attraction offers not just knowledge and education but also the experience of being up close and personal to these amazing creatures. Children are able to touch the lizards and also handle carpet pythons, providing a truly interactive experience – and great photo opportunities for the mums and dads. It is surprising to see how many willing volunteers there were among the children present.
The actual reptile exhibition has also been revamped too and provides a countdown, in order, of our 10 most fearsome and awesome reptiles.
The rating system is explained. I must say that I was surprised to see that two taipans featured on the one to 10 listing as I had always thought that only one existed.
Snakes have always fascinated me since my brother was bitten by a tiger snake while on our farm in Yea when we were children!
I doubt that they hold the same attraction for him … although in a strange way I think they do … after all it only bit him on the finger!
It is another story as to how his finger got in or near the snake’s mouth, but it was very much accidental and unexpected!
What impresses me about the Sanctuary is not just how splendid it is, showcasing a wonderful display of native flora and fauna but also how it draws on and links with the community.
The Sanctuary employs some 70 people but its success also relies on the 220 or so dedicated volunteers who undertake a myriad of tasks to help keep the sanctuary functioning as one of Victoria’s top tourist attractions.
A volunteer can be involved in everything from manning information booths, to escorting visitors, maintaining the grounds and involvement in holiday programs.
They show such professionalism and enthusiasm in their roles.
I understand though the role of a volunteer can be addictive and before you know it you can clock up 10 years or more!
I also admire Zoos Victoria’s commitment to fighting extinction of threatened species.
Their support of recovery teams and determination to raise public awareness to deliver tangible conservation outcomes is indeed commendable.
I am delighted that I had the opportunity to once again visit the Healesville Sanctuary to witness the continuing evolution of this magical place.
It is in our backyard and if you haven’t visited it for a while, I encourage you to take a day and enjoy all it has to offer.