Rick Wilson (O'Connor, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

On Friday, 11 September I attended the launch of the 2015 Hidden Treasures of the Great Southern Bloom Festival. Held over four weeks across eight shires, the festival showcases the very best of the Great Southern. This year there are more than 37 events or activities to introduce visitors to the wonders of the Great Southern. They include the magnificent wildflowers; natural attractions such as the Stirling Range, Fitzgerald and Porongurup national parks; award-winning wines and locally grown foods; open gardens in full bloom; train rides; and whale-watching along the coast. One of the highlights of the launch, apart from spending some quality time with my mum, was a presentation by Bremer Bay ecologist Nathan McQuoid. Nathan gave a very informative talk about the unique native flora in the region.

I also spent some time with festival coordinator Emily Hardie, who certainly has a big job ahead of her. She showed me through the 2016 Bloom Festival calendar, a collection of wildflower photos taken by local photographers and gathered through a competition on ABC Great Southern. For $15 people not only get a beautiful calendar but help to support increasing tourism to an amazing part of the world. As a part of the launch, the committee potted and grew three different types of melaleuca plants as gifts for the attendees, a really nice touch. I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to their launch and I wish them the best of luck for the next four weeks. The festival runs until 12 October, and I encourage everybody to visit the website, Hiddentreasures.com.au, and attend an event near you.

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