The Dinosaur Coast Management Group Inc is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection, promotion, and education of the dinosaur tracks located along the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Established in 2015 and based in Broome, the group operates as a registered charity and not-for-profit incorporated association with the Australian Business Number (ABN) 64562730699RR0001.

History and Purpose

The Dinosaur Coast Management Group (DCMG) was formed with the primary goal of safeguarding the significant dinosaur footprint sites found on the Dampier Peninsula and raising public awareness about their cultural and scientific value. These tracks date back to the Lower Cretaceous Epoch of the Mesozoic Period, approximately 140 to 127 million years ago, and are recognized as part of Australia's National Heritage. The dinosaur footprints have also long been an integral part of the traditional heritage of the Aboriginal peoples of the region.

The group collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, local communities, environmental organizations, governmental agencies at various levels, the Western Australian Museum, Broome Port Authority, and academic researchers to further its mission.

Activities and Initiatives

DCMG employs a multi-stage approach to community engagement and education:

• Digital Innovation: Development of the Dinosaur Coast Track Guide App, which is designed to help visitors identify dinosaur trackways along the Broome coastline and provide detailed, interactive information about the tracks and their makers. This app has been well received by locals and tourists, enhancing exploration experiences.

• Educational Outreach: Creation of casts of actual dinosaur tracks, which are used for school visits and museum displays to deliver hands-on, pedagogically aligned learning experiences. These casts enable students and the public to interact more tangibly with the region's prehistoric past.

• Community Engagement: Improvement of guided field excursions to better match the interests and educational needs of various audiences by tailoring content to different age groups and topics.

• Exhibitions and Displays: Extension of displays at the Broome Museum featuring track casts and interpretive materials, allowing those unable to visit the track sites to learn about the Dinosaur Coast.

• Technological Enhancements: Plans to incorporate 3D scale images of trackmakers and interactive "Dinosaur Tracker" tools accessible via handheld devices aim to bring the stories and science of the Dinosaur Coast vividly to life.

Significance

The region's dinosaur trackways have been described scientifically as "the Cretaceous equivalent of the Serengeti," highlighting the area's rich and diverse prehistoric ecosystem. The Dinosaur Coast's tracks provide a rare and invaluable glimpse into Australia's ancient fauna during the Mesozoic era and contribute significantly to paleontological and cultural heritage both locally and nationally.

By fostering preservation and promoting educational initiatives, the Dinosaur Coast Management Group plays a pivotal role in ensuring these irreplaceable natural and cultural resources are protected and appreciated by current and future generations.

[1] https://www.dinosaurcoast.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/46b44a9f-ec2a-eb11-bbf3-000d3acbaeea [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/46b44a9f-ec2a-eb11-bbf3-000d3acbaeea/documents/ffb4afd4-9e82-ed11-81ad-002248933d22 [4] https://makeadifference.volunteering.nsw.gov.au/volunteering-organisations/20670/dinosaur-coast-management-group [5] https://communityimpacthub.wa.gov.au/learn-from-others/case-studies/enhancing-community-engagement-with-the-dinosaur-coast/