Melbourne Zoo to open the doors for disadvantaged Victorians

Meerkats, tigers and gorillas are just some of the wildlife that 3,000 migrant, refugee and disadvantaged Victorians will visit today at the Mission Australia/Zoos Victoria Family Day at Melbourne Zoo.

The Family Day is aims to provide an opportunity to social inclusion for disengaged and disadvantaged children and their families from across Victoria through free public transport courtesy of Metlink and V/Line, an experience most Victorians take for granted.

Mission Australia State Director, Paul Bird, said the event, in its second year, is all about giving disengaged and disadvantaged individuals and families the confidence and skills needed to navigate public transport and experience the fun and education of the Melbourne Zoo.

“Our Family Day provides people – some who have never experienced public transport and the adventure of going to the zoo in their lives – with a wonderful opportunity to get up close and experience a much loved community icon,” Mr Bird said.

“Mission Australia is committed to ensuring all Victorians are able to participate in their communities and it is really inspiring so many are able to experience the joy of interacting with friends, family and the animals at our Family Day.”

As reported in Mission Australia’s 2009 Survey of Young Australians, the number of young Victorians participating in cultural activities or attending significant events or attractions has dropped significantly.

“In 2008, almost 46 per cent of young Victorians were involved in these pursuits. This year, only 20 per cent are. We’ve also seen a drop in attendance of sporting events as a spectator, down from 48.4 per cent to 39.7,” Mr Bird said.

“These figures suggest that the global financial crisis has really hit hard for some Victorian families, so it is of increased importance to have events like this to spread some cheer over the holiday season.”

Melbourne Zoo Director, Kevin Tanner, said the first Family Day last year was a great success.

“We hope that the guests coming to the event this year will enjoy the Zoo experience, especially our new Wild Sea display, and leave at the end of their visit with a greater appreciation of wildlife and a better understanding of the need to conserve it,” Mr Tanner said.

Bakers Delight has provided small pastry treats for families and RACV has donated new colouring books for the children.

More than 100 volunteers from Mission Australia, Metlink and RACV will help families find their way to and from the event and navigate the zoo grounds.

Activities on the day include face painting, music performances, carousel rides, up close encounters with animals and colouring in activities.