Charles Sturt University (CSU) students have used their course assessment tasks to improve the visitor experience at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.
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As part of their final assessments, the 17 second and third year students studying the Bachelor of Applied Science (Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism) in the Charles Sturt School of Environmental Sciences in Port Macquarie proposed new designs to improve the visitor and tourist experience at the Koala Hospital.
Associate Professor in Interpretation and Ecotourism, Rosemary Black, a lecturer and researcher in the School of Environmental Sciences, facilitated the cooperation with the Koala Hospital.
"The engagement with the Koala Hospital is mutually beneficial," Professor Black said.
"The students submitted their proposals for the Koala Hospital to use to develop the facilities at the hospital further, which in turn will bring more tourism to the hospital and to the wider Port Macquarie community.
"Students also submitted assessments focusing on environmental education and how to convey messages about koala conservation, which the Koala Hospital can also use for their conservation strategy."
Second year Bachelor of Applied Science (Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism) student Kylie Neilson said it was a beneficial learning experience.
"The interpretive plan I completed for my assessment on the Koala Hospital not only broadened my understanding of the numerous threats facing koala species and their desperate need for assistance, but also increased my appreciation for the phenomenal work the Koala Hospital and the Koala Preservation Society do," Ms Neilson said.
"When designing my plan and interpretive media, the dedication I witnessed and observations I made at the hospital never ceased to amaze me.
"Their efforts and work are incredibly admirable, and it would be an absolute pleasure to work with this organisation in the future."
Third year Bachelor of Applied Science (Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism) student Lacey Cornall agreed.
"I enjoyed learning the content in class and then the challenge of taking what I had learnt to produce a concept plan that met the set requirements," Ms Cornall said.
Professor Black recently spoke about 'Communicating Koala Conservation Messages' at the Second Caring for our Koalas and our Environment Symposium held on June 6 at the UNSW Rural Clinical School in Port Macquarie.