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Help us protect the coral reefs of Vanuatu in December

In a unique University of Newcastle project, a trip to Hideaway Island offers University of Newcastle staff, students and the wider community an opportunity to get hands-on research experience working on projects associated with protecting and regenerating coral reefs in the area.

University of Newcastle marine science lecturer, Ken Zimmerman, leads two research trips per year that focus on transplanting coral to the marine park on Hideaway Island. As a community participant, you will have the opportunity to get involved both on land or in the water.

University of Newcastle staff member, Bronwyn Bloxham and her husband volunteered their time for the June excursion (pictured) and chose to map the path of existing coral reefs. “This will allow the team to be able to go back year after year to the exact location and ensure that the quality of the data is accurate,” said Bronwyn.

“It was such a wonderful and rewarding experience that we’ll be doing this again soon,” she added.

There are two separate trips per year in June and December. In an exclusive agreement that the University has with Hideaway Island Resort and Air Vanuatu, all participating members will receive airfares and transfers to Hideaway Island, seven nights’ accommodation and all meals from A$1800 per person.

To book or find out more about the December 2012 trip contact Dr Ken Zimmerman by email at Kenneth.Zimmerman@newcastle.edu.au or call (02) 4348 4127 or 0421 594 216.