Great Southern Centre for Outdoor Recreation Excellence launched in Albany

A new facility is aiming to make Western Australia's Great Southern region the outdoor recreation and adventure capital of Australia.

The newly launched Great Southern Centre for Outdoor Recreation Excellence (GSCORE) has plans to position the Great Southern as a hub for outdoor education and active leadership, driving education visitation and job creation in the training sector, including the growth and expansion of the tertiary sector and creative partnerships with the commercial sector. The centre also aims attract international students to the region.

Commenting on the initiative at last Friday’s launch at Camp Quaranup in Albany, Western Australian Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan stated "GSCORE is community, industry and government collaboration that has achieved a winning outcome for residents in the Great Southern.

"The facility has great potential to develop and host major sporting events and activities including those targeting interstate and overseas visitors, adding to the region's growing tourism strengths."

GSCORE Executive Director Dr Lenore Lyons said the centre’s aim was to make the Great Southern the adventure capital of Australia and to increase the economic and social benefits of outdoor recreation for the region, advising “it’s fitting that we officially launch GSCORE at Camp Quaranup in Albany.

“Quaranup has been the site of student camps for over one hundred years. Our goal is to capitalise on the camp’s rich history and stunning location to position the Great Southern region as a destination for outdoor education and active leadership.”

GSDC Chair Ross Thornton said the project aligned with the strategic directions of the Commission.

“We know the huge importance and further potential of tourism for the region.

“GSCORE will open innovative avenues to grow that sector of the regional economy and provide jobs that are linked to appreciation and protection of the natural environment that we all value.”

GSCORE is a joint initiative of the Western Australian Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries; the Great Southern Development Commission; and the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

For more information go to www.gscore.com.au

Images: Western Australian Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan at the launch of GSCORE, and trying out archery in the top image. Courtesy of GSCORE/Steve Pontin.

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