On the 1st November, Oakvale Wildlife Park will be celebrating a major milestone of 40 years in education and conservation in Port Stephens. To celebrate this milestone, they will be hosting 3 days of birthday celebrations on 1st, 2nd & 3rd November 2019.
Oakvale has a rich family history and was established by Jeff and Elaine Sansom in response to an identified need for the education of the younger generation in the basics of farm life. While operating a fully functioning dairy farm, they were approached by passing holidaymakers and by local schoolteachers asking if they could allow students to observe these operations. So, the idea for Oakvale was born. With the help of family and friends, the Sansom’s embarked on the construction of the park; which opened to the public on Thursday 1st November 1979.
Since then, Oakvale has continued to grow, adapt, and diversify to the changing social and cultural demands associated with providing an attraction such as this. In 1995 Oakvale was entrusted to Kent Sansom, Jeff and Elaine's youngest son when he was just 20 years of age. He was later joined by his wife Leanne in 2003 and then their four children. Since then the business has grown from a staff of four to a committed and dedicated team of 38 employees and 36 trained volunteers.
Throughout its history, Oakvale has remained true to its beginnings in its commitment to providing education through fun, hands-on interaction for the young and young at heart; to be a leader in conservation, research and offer genetically diverse bloodlines through breeding programs. Providing experiences that are accessible for all visitors no matter their range of requirements.
Official celebrations will commence on 1stNovember from 10.00am -12.00pm with the formal speeches, cheque donation and cutting of the celebration cake commencing at 11.00am.
On Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd November 2019 Oakvale will continue the celebrations and are planning a weekend of family-friendly fun-packed activities; including; Free child entry for every full paying adult*, free pony ride, jumping castle, Plus much more!
Kent Sansom, Owner of Oakvale Wildlife Park is excited to be celebrating such an amazing milestone. “It is amazing to think that I was only 5 years old when my parents opened the doors of Oakvale Farm & Fauna World all those years ago. Over the last 40 years with the dedication, passion and conservation efforts out team put in every day has assisted in the growth and development at the park. Our team work very hard daily to ensure the business continues to improve and to deliver above and beyond our customers’ expectations. We look forward to celebrating with the community over the anniversary weekend” Kent stated.