Business View Oceania - April 2024

of growth and expansion for the park. However, this upward trajectory was punctuated by the catastrophic events of the “black summer” wildfires ravaging Australia’s east coast. FIRES AND PANDEMIC SHUTDOWNS “The east coast of Australia was on fire,” Faulkner recalls the wildfires’ extreme impact on the park and the surrounding communities. Despite the looming threat posed by the encroaching flames, the park persevered, its resilience shining through the darkest times. Just as the smoke began to clear, the world was thrust into the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic—a global crisis that brought unprecedented challenges to businesses worldwide. For the first time in its 75-year history, the Australian Reptile Park closed its doors, navigating the uncertainty with a blend of business savvy and compassion. “We handled it with dignity, care, sensitivity, and pride,” Faulkner reflects, acknowledging the problematic decisions, including the temporary stand-down of half the park’s team members. Despite the upheaval, the park remained committed to engaging with its community, launching initiatives such as “Wildlife Tales with Tim Faulkner.” These educational videos, reaching 40 million viewers,served as a glimpse of hope and solace during uncertain times. Faulkner openly acknowledges their immense impact, recognizing how they uplifted the park’s audience and morale. Amidst adversities, triumphs emerged. Faulkner reminisces about the period between lockdowns when the park witnessed its most successful year yet, propelled by a surge in domestic tourism and governmental support. The team’s resilience and a newfound appreciation for outdoor experiences propelled them to unprecedented levels of achievement. A DAY OF ADVENTURE AND CONNECTION Navigating through successive lockdowns, the park remains persistent in its duty to provide an exceptional experience for visitors. Faulkner reflects on the park’s character of perseverance, remarking, “We tripled down in the good times and the bad times. We’re perpetual optimists.” With creativity and innovation at its core, the park’s team embarked on a journey of adaptation, leveraging marketing strategies and internal activations to enhance the visitor experience. Faulkner’s optimism and resilient leadership permeate the organization, driving it to new heights despite its challenges. Considering the park’s journey, Faulkner delves into its financial resilience, grounded in thoroughly examining historical growth patterns. By scrutinizing a decade’s worth of data and overlooking the disruptions caused by bushfires and the pandemic, the park-adjusted its strategy, navigating through uncertainty while sustaining a positive trajectory. Faulkner stresses the significance of harmonizing entertainment with education, shunning pessimistic messaging to foster a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Visitors can expect themed exhibits, interactive demonstrations, and the opportunity to L E A R N M O R E An ethical soft toy business committed to reducing our carbon footprint in the world, one beautiful toy at a time. Join us in making the world a better place. 54 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 04