Anthology launches a devilishly good idea

Anthology, owners of Cradle Mountain Huts, has joined forces with the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal and is working with their guests to raise much-needed funds for ongoing research and management of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD).

For every booking made in January 2010 on the Cradle Mountain Huts six-day walk on the Overland Track, Anthology will donate $200 per person to the Appeal.

While the bookings need to be made and paid for by 31 January, the fundraising campaign is for any of the Anthology walks throughout the remainder of the walking season, which runs until 1 May, 2010.

“We established Anthology to deliver distinctive Australian experiences to our guests. This includes giving them the opportunity to interact with important local flora and fauna,” said Anthology CEO, Grant Hunt.

“We also wanted to provide our guests with a way to feel that they could lend a helping hand. We consider the Tasmanian Devil to be at the heart of this practice and want to help provide funds for this critical program,” continued Hunt.

Going full bottle

Hot on the heels of the re-launch of Tasmania's iconic Hartz mineral water range, Juicy Isle has launched an ongoing funding program with the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal to raise funds to support research and management by the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

Founded in 1971 by the Cooper family, Juicy Isle is a Tasmanian producer of chilled, freshly squeezed and long-life fruit juices.

For 2010 and 2011, the new range of Hartz mineral waters and its innovative new packaging will sport the new 'Supporter of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal' branding. The company will also provide a substantial annual cash donation to the Appeal.

Juicy Isle's Managing Director, Michael Cooper, says that the purchase of the Hartz business and brand was an excellent and complementary addition to its product base, and the connection to the Tasmanian Devil Appeal strengthened its connection with Tasmania's iconic status.

"We are an extremely proud Tasmanian company and when we purchased Hartz we saw the opportunity to profitably grow another iconic Tasmanian brand and to maintain the Tasmanian heritage of the brand.

"Part of that heritage is the iconic Tasmanian wilderness, so supporting the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal is a natural fit for us from a Hartz perspective and from our company as a whole."

Tasmanian takes the devil’s cause to the Big Apple

Tasmanian businessman Matthew Groom successfully completed the prestigious New York Marathon on 1 November 2009 to raise money for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

Matthew finished the 42.2 kilometre course in just over 4 hours 40 minutes. It was the culmination of a 5 month training program, which enabled Matthew to raise over $1600 to help save the Tasmanian devil.

“Given the Tasmanian devil’s iconic status this is a very important cause not just to Tasmanians but to many people in different parts of the world. The response I received from people here at home as well as interstate and overseas was quite overwhelming.

“I am very pleased to have helped raise funds for the Appeal as well as awareness of the devil’s plight. I strongly believe that more needs to be done to find a cure for this terrible disease”, Mr Groom said.

The New York Marathon is one of the world’s great road race events. It attracts over 40,000 runners from around the globe. The course runs through the 5 boroughs of New York, starting on Staten Island and finishing in Central Park, Manhattan.

“Running in the marathon was a great experience. The encouragement from spectators along the course was remarkable. The atmosphere was extraordinary. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Sounds of the Devil

Tasmania’s ultimate one-day music festival experience, the Soundscape Festival, and the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal have joined forces once again this summer to help raise funds to tackle a deadly disease threatening the Tasmanian devil population.

Festival organiser Brendan Self says the Tasmanian devil’s recent addition to the endangered species list has only strengthened his resolve to provide as much support, publicity and awareness as possible for the cause.

“We feel compelled to support what we consider to be Tasmania's most urgent cause,” he says.

“As well as being an internationally-recognised icon of our state, the devil plays a crucial part in the ecosystems of its many and varied wild environments.

“The devil is Tasmania's greatest icon and research into the deadly Devil Facial Tumour Disease is urgently needed, so you can have fun in the sun and support a worthy cause at the same time!”

Tasmanian devils will feature on this year’s new big-screen and information will be available around the venue to highlight the devil’s plight.

A shining light from the Land of the Rising Sun

Japanese Supermarket chain MaxValu donated $40,000 to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program in October 2009, adding to the $40,000 they had contributed over the previous three years.

MaxValu is a long-time friend of the Tasmanian devil. Indeed the 2009 visit was the third trip to Tasmania by MaxValu representatives, who met with the Minister for Primary Industries and Water, David Llewellyn.

“The generous donation by MaxValu reflects their ongoing commitment to saving the Tasmanian devil,” Mr Llewellyn said. “It’s a testament to the strong bonds that have been forged between MaxValu and Tasmania through the supermarket chain’s continuing investment in Tasmania’s produce and its environment. “MaxValu and its customers are setting an example by their ongoing support of the Tasmanian devil. These types of global partnerships reflect the significance the Tasmanian devil holds for many people beyond Australian borders.”

Mr Llewellyn said MaxValu’s previous donations had funded research into the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) as well as infrastructure to house captive devil populations. “The latest donation will assist the Program’s current strategies, which include large-scale fencing projects and free range enclosures to protect healthy devil populations,” Mr Llewellyn said.

“To see organisations, like MaxValu, contributing to environmental issues beyond its borders shows recognition that we are all connected.”

The MaxValu chain includes more than 400 stores throughout Japan. They regularly hold ‘Australia Fair’ weeks which feature Tasmanian produce. Collection boxes for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, along with posters explaining DFTD, have also been displayed in MaxValu stores.

Aussie Rock - Music of the devil!

Australia’s rock stars and bands are coming together for DEVIL ROCK – a series of fundraising concerts that have been arranged by veteran rocker, Jon English.

DEVIL ROCK was launched in July, 2009 by Peter Garrett, the Federal Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts (and former front man for ‘Midnight Oil’). The highlight of the fundraisers will be a concert at Sydney University on March 6, 2010, followed by a concert on the New South Wales Central Coast later that year.

“The final line-up of artists for DEVIL ROCK is yet to be decided, but everyone I’ve approached has been keen to take part,” said Jon English.

“The music industry is just great when it comes to getting behind things like this. There will be something for every rock generation to enjoy.”

There will also be two fundraising performances of the theatrical rock experience, The Rock Show, in Sydney on October 16 and 17, 2009. This sell-out show is currently touring Australia: www.therockshow.com.au

Young rockers across Australia are also being invited to join the party with a Devil Rock Battle of the Bands. Post one of your band’s songs online for the chance to play live at Devil Rock. This competition has been developed in partnership with the New South Wales Department of Education.

Money raised from DEVIL ROCK will go towards saving the ‘original rock and roll animal’ by supporting a joint research program involving Dr Kathy Belov, from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, and the Australian Reptile Park in Gosford, NSW.

The Australian Reptile Park is one of the mainland zoos and parks that have been chosen to house the Save the Tasmanian Devil’s Insurance Population. They’ve already had breeding success with the birth of 30 devils.

For more information on DEVIL ROCK, as well as entry details for the Battle of the Bands, go to: www.devilrock.com.au

Tax bonus for devils

The management and staff at ITP: The Income Tax Professionals have raised $5,000 for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal by donating a proportion of every tax return they lodged between July 1 and October 31, 2008.

Cheryl Brierley, ITP’s Manager for Southern Tasmania, said the company is Tasmanian owned and operated.

“So we’re thrilled to be able to give back to our community,” she said.

“Our clients were equally as excited. In fact many of them thought it was such a good idea that they also offered to contribute to the Appeal.”

The initiative was operated through the Southern Tasmanian offices of ITP in Hobart, Rosny, Kingston and Glenorchy.

“Supporting the iconic Tasmanian devil was as much an opportunity for us as it was our corporate responsibility,” said John Sales, a Tax Accountant at ITP Hobart. “We work with local people, and this concept gave our clients the chance to feel that they were also helping the devil. We’d like to inspire everyone in the community – especially other companies – to think up unique ways that they too can lend their support.”

David Rowell, Chair of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal Committee, said the ITP funds would help to maintain a free-ranging insurance population. “It’s through donations like this, and with the collective community support, that we can continue to review the complexities and demands of this disease,” he said.

For more information on ITP, The Income Tax Professionals, go to: www.itp.com.au

Hawks making a mark

The Hawthorn Football Club is on the ball in the fight to help save the Tasmanian devil.

The Hawks, who won the 2008 Australian Football League Premiership, have been promoting the sale of the cuddly devil toy, TAZ DEVIL. All Proceeds from the sale of TAZ (a popular Looney Tunes character) are going directly to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

“The Hawks aren’t put off by the prospect of a tough fight, so we’re keen to support this important battle to find a cure for the Devil Facial Tumour Disease,” said Shayne Stevenson, Tasmanian Operations Manager for the Hawthorn Football Club.

“The club has immersed itself in the Tasmanian community and actively participated in a number of community initiatives. This is another example of our commitment to Tasmania.”

Every member of the Hawthorn Grand Final team was given his own TAZ DEVIL when the club brought the Premiership Cup down to Tasmania, in late 2008.

Close shave for the devil

One of the world’s most prominent computer software engineers has exchanged the mouse for a razor in support of the endangered Tasmanian devil.

Linux creator, Linus Torvalds, shaved the beard of Hewlett-Packard Chief Technologist, Bdale Garbee, as part of a $25,000 auction pledge at the Linux national conference, held in January 2009.

‘We love nature and our family has experienced Tasmania’s outdoors,’ said Mr Garbee, who’d had a beard for 27 years. ‘So we are thrilled to be raising money for the Tasmanian devil.’

Close to $40,000 was raised at the Linux National Conference’s charity auction and Penguin Dinner. It’s the first time that Hobart has hosted linux.conf.au - one of the world’s premier technical conferences.

‘But the delegates were aware of the threat of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease, and were eager to help,’ said conference organiser, Ben Powell.

‘Our mascot, Tuz, is a devil masquerading as Tux the Linux Penguin. We’re donating $5 per Tuz toy that was sold at the conference, on top of the money raised at the auction.’

Other items at the auction included a limited-edition copy of an award-winning photograph taken by Mr Garbee’s wife, published in America’s Nature’s Best Photography magazine, as well as a ‘Geek’ Queensland number plate. More than $7000 was also collected in ice-buckets at the Penguin Dinner.

‘Donations to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal are critical,’ said Professor Hamish McCallum, the chief scientist with the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program. ‘The spectacular generosity of the computing community at the Linux conference will considerably help our cause.’

Linux.conf.au began in 1999 with the Conference of Australian Linux Users.

For more information, go to www.linux.conf.au

Dash for the devil

Who wins when two best mates argue, over a few beers, about who’s the better swimmer? Well, for starters, the Tassie devil does.

In February 2009, Daniel ‘Eddo’ Eddington and Simon ‘Darce’ D’Arcy took to the pool for the ‘Dash for the Devil’: a 100-metre sprint that established eternal bragging rights between the friends and raised money for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

Olympic gold medalist Michael Klim was the guest speaker at the fund-raising Champagne breakfast, held on race day at the Richmond Recreation Centre in Victoria, with prizes going to those who donated to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program by picking the winner and the margin.

Who was the winner? In truth, everyone involved in this event has proven to be a champion. But for a stroke-by-stroke report on the dash, check out www.dashforthedevil.com

P.S. Okay then – Darce won!

Evolution

An imaginary, evolutionary future is explored in the confronting exhibition by visual artist Patricia Piccinini—currently on display at the Tasmanian Museum and Art gallery.

Evolution features a diorama of a rocky outcrop—setting the scene for two of Piccinini’s sculptures, seven Tasmanian devils and two wedge tailed eagles.

‘In Piccinini’s world the animal, human and ecological are co-joined in a future that is mutually dependant and terrifyingly perilous,’ said the curator, Juliana Engberg.

‘Her imaginary, evolutional world speculates on our scientific capacity to generate living creatures that cross species and genetics, and asks us to consider our responsibility to these new organisms.’

Patricia Piccinini: Evolution will be showcased until June 14, 2009.

G’DAY USA

A New York charity dinner and silent auction, held by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) in January 2009, has raised US$13,200 for the Tasmanian devil. This total included a US$6,000 bid by a young woman to secure the naming rights of a Tasmanian devil ‘super pen’ near Cressy, Northern Tasmania.

More than 300 philanthropists attended the Benefit Dinner, which was supported by Tourism Tasmania as part of its G’DAY USA 2009 activities. A feature of the evening was a performance by Tasmanian Aboriginal musician, Dewayne Everettsmith, who wrote an inspirational song about the Tasmanian devil especially for the event.

Professor Tim Flannery, director of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and 2007 Australian of the Year, also delivered a speech that highlighted the Tasmanian devil’s endangered species listing.

The silent auction included images from the Adobe Lightroom Tasmania Adventure, held in 2008, as well as luxury Tasmanian experiences, donated by Pure Tasmania, Premier Travel and Anthology.

G’DAY USA is an annual two-week spotlight on Australia, with events held in LA, San Francisco and New York.

Soundscape rocks!

The Soundscape Festival rocked the Hobart Regatta Grounds in January 2009 and, at the same time, raised money for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

The organisers pledged $1 from the sale of every ticket to the all-age event, which featured local acts Let The Cat Out and The Frets, as well as big-name bands like Pnau, Cut Copy, British India and The Getaway Plan.

More than $1,000 had also previously been raised at the Soundscape Showcase playoffs, held in December 2008.

Tassie bands Chi-Roh and The Trolls emerged victorious on the night, winning the chance to be part of the Soundscape 2009 line-up. Meanwhile the generous patrons at Hobart’s Republic Bar dug deep in support of the Tassie devil.

For more information on the Soundscape Festival, go to: www.thesoundscapefestival.com

The Taste Festival

A giant Tasmanian devil sculpture, made from bamboo and recycled materials by Amanda King, was a feature of the Taste Festival in Hobart over the 2008-09 period.

Members of The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program also participated by handing out the latest information on the Devil Facial Tumour Disease and providing trapping demonstrations.

‘We met lots of international visitors who were keen to know more about the devil,’ said team member, Kim Nolan. ‘There were many young children too, who all seemed to have an amazing depth of knowledge about Tasmanian devils and wanted to do their bit to help.’

The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program’s official mascot ‘Tassie’, always a centre of attention, was there to raise awareness and engage the public.

University of Tasmania and Soroptimist International (Hobart) members manned the stand to sell Biscottelli gourmet biscuits, Tasmanian Icon Wines, and the Devilishly Delicious recipe books – all to raise money for Tasmanian devil research.

The Taste Festival is a celebration of contemporary Tasmanian produce through epicurean delights, artists and performers.

New wine label supports Tassie’s endangered icon

Tasmanian wines are getting behind the endangered Tasmanian devil. A new label Tasmanian Icon Wines is providing premium local wines at an affordable price and and sales of the 2008 vintage are supporting the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal, aiming to raise more than $20,000.

Save the Tasmanian Devil Program senior scientist Prof. Hamish McCallum explains: “This corporate support for the Appeal really makes a difference in saving the devil; for example grants from the Appeal were vital in funding the recent discovery of Cedric, the disease resistant devil.”

Tasmanina Icon labels are striking and exhibit an abstracted image of Tasmanian Tiger stripes. “This is a tribute to our ultimate icon and a constant reminder of what can happen if we, the Tasmanian people, don’t get behind the conservation of our Tasmanian icons,” said Ryan O’Malley, producer of Tasmanian Icon Wines.

O'Malley sourced fruit from vineyards on the Freycinet Coast and Coal River Valley for the 2008 vintage and contracted Julian Alcorso and his team at Wine Making Tasmania to make the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay range. “Tasmanian Icon offers fruit driven, approachable wine styles which represent great value for everyday consumption,” Mr Alcorso said.

You can find Tasmanian Icon Wines at local Tasmanian bottleshops or download a mail order form (PDF, 109KB).

Dancing devils from Mardi Gras

The ‘Tassie Devils’ float from the 30th anniversary Sydney Mardi Gras Parade has raised $6,000 for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

Mark Howell, from the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Community Centre, presented the donation to the Devil Program during the TasPride festival in November, 2008.

More than 100 devil dancers, with flaming-red horns and small pitch-forks, marched in Sydney’s cheeky, annual Mardi Gras – an event which draws a crowd of more than half a million (while millions more watch on TV).

‘The Tassie devils theme was perfect for us,’ said Mark. ‘It’s fun and a bit naughty. But ultimately, it’s a serious conservation issue that we want to champion.

‘And that’s why I think Mardi Gras has been a particular hit for us this year. Local businesses have been so forthcoming in supporting us, and I think the importance of the devil cause has a lot to do with that.’

For more information on any of projects organised by the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Community Centre, including their vision for the 2009 Sydney Mardi Gras, visit www.taspride.com

Video and photo highlights from Tasmania’s participation in the Mardi Gras Parade are online at www.gaytas.com

Devilishly Delicious

Does it matter if Tasmanian devils become extinct in the wild? This is the question that challenged the Tasmanian members of Soroptimist International, the world’s largest international women’s organisation.

Well, the Soroptimitists decided that it certainly does matter and, true to form, they decided to do something about it. The resulting recipe book – Devilishly Delicious, Recipes from Tasmania – features tempting recipes from cooks across the state.

“We all have to eat, and all cooks love a good recipe book,” said Margaret Morgan from Soroptimist International of Hobart. “But our recipe book features fresh Tasmanian ingredients, thus serving the dual purpose of promoting our State’s wonderful produce, while raising money to save devils.”

Devilishly Delicious, Recipes from Tasmania was launched in November 2008, with all proceeds going to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program. Its striking red cover makes it a lovely memento of a Tassie holiday, or a beaut present for under $20.

“And it’s a gift that gives twice,” Margaret added, “by supporting a worthwhile cause.”

Devilishly Delicious, Recipes from Tasmania can be purchased from: Hanlon House (Stanley), Stanley Visitor Information Centre, Devonport Visitor Information Centre, Creative Paper Mill (Burnie), Freycinet National Park Visitors centre, Mole Creek Karst NP, Tamar Island Wetland Centre, Hastings Caves, Huon Valley - South Coast Visitor Information Centre, Lake St. Clair Visitor Information Centre, Fee and Me (Launceston), The Mill Providore and Gallery (Launceston), Tamar River Cruises (Launceston), Tassal, Salamanca Place (Hobart.), Dev’lish Café, Macquarie St (Hobart), Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (Hobart), Tasmanian Conservation Devil Park (Taranna), Fox and Hounds Inn (Port Arthur), Nubeena Value Plus Supermarket, Murdunna General Store, Dunalley General Store, Sorell Fruit Farm, All4adventure (Coles Bay), Sir Loin Breier’s Butchery (Bicheno), Sip Café at Seaview Holiday Park (Bicheno), Blue Edge Bakery (Bicheno), Meredith House (Swansea), Bear Cottage Crafts (Swansea), Bed in the Treetops B & B (Binalong Bay), Pyengana Cheese, and the Platypus Park Country Retreat (Bridport).

You can also order by email. Contact Shirley at pixief@gotalk.net.au or Margaret at sheoaks.bandb@bigpond.com

The gift of a souvenir

Selective Trading, a Devonport-based souvenir distributor, is donating $1 to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program from each sale of their two plush Tasmanian devil toys.

Des Healey, the director of Selective Trading, said a lot of time was devoted to making sure that these quality soft toys had accurate markings, faces and proportions.

'They’re so realistic,' he said. 'It’s one of the things that set these plush devils apart.

'But their most important feature is that some of the profits of their sale will go toward fighting the Devil Disease.'

They’ll appeal to tourists who want to support the fight to save the Tassie devil. But they’re also great gifts for the little ones in your family, or for friends overseas.

Look for the devil toys that feature the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program logo at tourist attraction gift shops and select wildlife parks across Tasmania.

Devil of a weekend

The Coles Bay community, on the east coast of Tasmania, dedicated a whole weekend in early November to fun and fundraising for the Tasmanian devil.

Activities included a film about the Tasmanian devil, sea kayaking tours and scenic cruises, local market stalls, and a family fun day at the beach.

‘It’s great that such a small community banded together and managed to raise more than $5000 to help save the devil,’ said Alison Stubbs, one of the event organisers.

‘The devil population on the east coast has been decimated by 75 per cent. We wanted to help in any way that we could, and to continue supporting this worthy cause.’

The Freycinet Peninsula has played an important role in DFTD research. Its once thriving devil population has been decimated by DFTD, with the adult population at this site halving annually.

National Geographic Kids Expedition Team Visits Tasmania

The next generation of environmental crusaders met in Hobart July 24-25, 2008, to show their support for the Tasmanian devil.

Fifteen students from the United States were brought to Tasmania as winners of the National Geographic Kids Hands-On Explorer Challenge. Aged between nine and 14 years, the Expedition Team was chosen from thousands of entrants who were asked to write an original essay telling National Geographic Kids magazine how they actively explore their world and the most interesting things they have found in it and to submit a photograph that illustrated what, where or how they explored.

During their five-day Tasmanian adventure, the National Geographic Kids Expedition Team met up with students from Taroona Primary School, the winners of the state-wide challenge to design an enclosure for the “Save the Tasmanian Devil Program” insurance population of devils, which was held to coincide with the 2008 National Geographic Kids Hands-On Explorer Challenge.

Together, these groups have so far raised more than $10,000, which will go directly toward the purchase of native shrubs and trees for purpose-built quarantine facilities. Members of the National Geographic Kids Hands-On Explorer Challenge Expedition Team have also have set up a web site urging people to donate to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program. They hope to raise $1 million, with one million people each donating $1.

"I’m delighted to see the coming together of the next generation of environmental crusaders from opposite sides of the globe," said Lisa Singh, MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier. "I commend your initiative and your energy. Together, you show that children can make a huge difference in helping to save an endangered species."

The National Geographic Kids Hands-On Explorer Challenge is an annual competition in the U.S. that takes kids to wonderful destinations around the world (like Tassie).

50,000 reasons to cheer Nature Nic

Ten-year-old Hobart schoolboy Nature Nic Bonnitcha has raised more than $50,000 for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program – and he promises that his devilish fight has only just begun!

To celebrate this outstanding achievement, Nature Nic held a ‘thank you’ party in Hobart in July 2008, with Australia Zoo’s Terri Irwin as the special guest.

"Steve Irwin was my hero and my inspiration," Nature Nic told Terri. "Because of the Crocodile Hunter, I now want to help all endangered animals."

It was less than two years ago that Nature Nic dreamt up a simple idea: a day in which Tasmanian students were invited to wear black and white clothes to school, and to make a gold-coin donation to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

In 2008, mainland schools joined the party. And the big news is that Black and White Day, scheduled for May 2009, is going international!

"We all have a strong sense of wanting to protect our children," said Terri Irwin. "So when they tell us 'Hey, this is important', then we need to listen.

"And it’s inspiring and touching to see someone like Nic, who really knows what he wants to achieve and has such a great social responsibility.

"It’s a good thing that people are listening to Nic, because he tells it like it is. I appreciate his passion and enthusiasm, and I think he’s really going to go places."

As well as organising annual Black and White Days, Nature Nic also produced a 2008 fundraising calendar. He asked Tassie kids if they were little devils, and the 14 cutest replies featured on his Black and White Calendar (Nic’s theme).

"People are wrong if they think they’re too small to make a difference," said Nature Nic. "If you have determination, then you can achieve anything.

"But I also appreciate all the help I’ve received. The media has been great, and the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program is always supportive. But mostly, I want to thank the kids of Australia. The devil doesn’t belong to Tasmania alone. It belongs to all Australians."

Auctioned photographs snapped up

A Tourism Tasmania auction of photographs taken during the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Tasmania Adventure has raised more the $2,000 for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

Held in Perth in June during the 2008 Australian Tourism Exchange – the largest international trade show in the southern hemisphere – the auction captured the attention of hundreds of international tourism and travel buyers and featured images snapped by some of the world’s most talented photographers during the nine-day Tasmanian adventure.

Tourism Tasmania hosted a series of innovative networking functions at the event, and used the opportunity to raise international awareness of the plight of the Tasmanian devil and raise much-needed funds through the auction.

Devils in Paradise

The ‘Devils in Paradise’ art exhibition at Hobart’s Bett Gallery, featuring the work of nine high-profile visual artists, raised $12,826 for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

Owner of the gallery, Dick Bett, together with Hobart artist David Keeling, presented the donation to the Program in May 2008.

“The ‘Devils in Paradise’ exhibition was an exciting and fascinating look at Tasmania,” said the Tasmanian Minister for the Primary Industries and Water, David Llewellyn.

“It’s fitting that the funds raised should go towards helping to save our most iconic animal from the devastating and deadly Facial Tumour Disease.”

As well as works by David Keeling, the exhibition featured pieces from Sydney artists Leo Robba, Adrienne Richards, Euan McLeod, Chris O’Doherty, Neil Frazer and Joanna Braithwaite, along with David Usher from Brisbane, and Lucy Culliton from the Blue Mountains.

The artists spent eight days travelling around Tasmania, creating paintings and drawings on location. They then each provided four or more works for the exhibition, and a further work for the fund-raising auction.

“Every artist was incredibly generous in donating their time and talent on behalf of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program,” Mr Llewellyn added. “And we’re equally grateful to Mr Bett, for his energy and vision.”

The art of education

Internationally-renowned nature photographer Darran Leal will promote the cause of the Tasmanian devil with an exhibition at the Cradle Mountain Chateau, starting in November 2008. A percentage of the sale of prints during the exhibition will also be donated to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

Queensland-based Darran was one of 17 world-class photographers invited to Tasmania in April 2008 to ‘road test’ the latest version of Adobe’s Photoshop Lightroom 2 photography software. The nine-day Tasmanian Adventure took the photographers to the far corners of the state, where they captured images of everything from wilderness landscapes to cray-fishermen at work to high-art photography.

"While it appears that we haven’t caused this particular disease within devils, we know that humanity in general places a lot of pressure on wildlife,” Darran said. “So if there’s any way that we can help to correct that, then I want to be part of it. And to me, education about wildlife and nature is crucial."

One room of Darran’s exhibition, which is booked to travel to mainland Australia, will be dedicated solely to images of Tasmania. The exhibition is sponsored by Epson and Adobe, and there are plans for it to also tour internationally.

To discover more about Darran’s work, go to: www.wildvisions.com.au and www.safariwise.com.au/gallery

International bridges for devils

Bridge players from the US, Norway, Denmark, India, New Zealand, Canada and all Australian mainland states are among the first to express their interest in attending the Save the Tasmanian Devil Bridge Congress, to be held in Devonport during October 2008.

The three-day event, which culminates in a presentation evening on October 12, is the highlight of the calendar for the Tasmanian members of the group from Bridge Base Online (BBO) – an on-line bridge site which can have up to 20,000 people playing at any one time.

“It all started as a bright idea, that suddenly went crazy,” laughed Maureen White, the founder of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Bridge Group. “We have many wonderful people from all around the world who have embraced the cause and are actively involved with the running of the group.

“As well as the planned International Congress, we also post daily, on-line tournaments on the BBO website. As the daily tournament is in progress, we post information about the plight of the Tasmanian devil to people around the world.”

The inaugural International Bridge Congress aims to raise funds for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, as well as awareness of Tasmania’s unique but endangered marsupial.

For more information on the BBO website, go to: www.freewebs.com/bbotassiedevils

 

 

 

 

 

The Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal is the fundraising arm of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program – the official strategy of the Australian and Tasmanian Governments.

The Appeal raises funds for vital research and management projects. To make a donation or to discuss partnering opportunities, please contact the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal on (03) 6226 2553
(+61 3 6226 2553) or email: appeal@tassiedevil.com.au

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Crunch time

Tasmanian gourmet biscuit producer Biscottelli is donating 100 per cent – yes, 100 per cent – of their profits to help save the endangered Tasmanian devil.

Biscottelli owner Chris Scott said the proceeds of the Hobart-based business could generate more than $40,000 annually for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

"I’ve been lucky to work for three incredible women," said Chris, speaking at the donation announcement in July 2008. "The contributions to social and environmental issues by Anita Roddick (Body Shop), Jan Cameron (Kathmandu) and Joan Masterman (Freycinet Experience) have had a profound influence on me, especially when it comes to business ethics."

Chris said she believes that individuals, as well as big business, have the power to make a difference.

"Organisations can make significant contributions," she said, "but individuals can be just as effective in raising awareness.

"A few people have asked how we can possibly donate 100 per cent of our profits. But I want this business to become the business of the Tasmanian devil – an investment in the future."

Biscottelli is currently available from: Barilla Bay Seafoods (Cambridge), Delish Fine Foods (Wivenhoe), Fresh for Generations (Howrah), Gourmet 2 Go (Devonport), Hill St Grocer (Hobart), Lipscombe Larder (Sandy Bay), Moorilla Vineyards Rest (Claremont), Nine-Eleven Bottleshop (Gasworks, Hobart), Possum Shed (New Norfolk), Raw Natural Grocer (Sandy Bay), Salad Bowl (South Hobart), Station Nursery (Newtown), Taste of Tassie (Spreyton), Fern Tree General Store (Fern Tree), Heavenlee Deli (Darwin), Adams Store (West Hobart) and Eucalypt Coffee Art Food (Port Arthur).

For stockist enquiries phone Exquisite Flavours (03) 6234 3489 or email: info@exquisiteflavours.com

Little Devils Day

Brisbane schoolgirl Ceilidh Bishop has made it her mission to help save the Tasmanian devil after visiting one of our insurance populations at Queensland’s Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, in January 2008.

One of Ceilidh’s fundraising ideas was to hold a ‘Little Devils Day’ at her school. More than a free-dress day, eight-year-old Ceilidh asked the teachers to make sure that one hour of learning about Tassie devils was included during the day. After giving a presentation to her principal and School Council, the day was held on 30 May, 2008.

"Learning about something means we can do something about it," Ceilidh said.

Steve Smith, the former manager of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, attended Little Devils Day.

Steve thanked all the students at Oxley State School for their wonderful support. He also explained the effect the Devil Disease is having on wild populations throughout Tasmania, and the role that every Australian can play in this important battle.

"Prior to Little Devils Day, some of the students didn’t know much about Tasmanian devils," said Ceilidh’s mother, Lyn Prowse-Bishop. "But afterwards, they commented that learning about the disease had been one of the best parts of the day."

Ceilidh has set up a website about Tasmanian devils (www.tassiedevilcancer.com), featuring a fact sheet on the Devil Facial Tumour Disease.

As at June 2008, Ceilidh’s website, combined with Little Devils Day, had raised close to $2,000 for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

A life-long present

It was a very happy birthday to Hobart’s Emily Marmion, who turned one year old in July 2008. But it’s frightening to realize that by the time Emily celebrates her 21st, Tasmanian devils may be extinct in the wild.

So Emily’s parents, Mandy and Adam, asked all the guests at their daughter’s birthday party to donate to devil research, in lieu of presents. "Emily is only one, so she doesn’t need a lot of stuff," said Mandy.

"The gift we really want for her is the chance to see Tassie devils as she grows. This would truly be a life-long present."

Inspired by this generous idea, Emily’s family and friends raised more than $400 for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

A toast for a long and happy life

After learning of the Devil Disease during a 2007 Tasmanian holiday, Skye Walton and Simon Abraham decided to share their joy when they announced their engagement.

“There’s nothing we need,” the Melbourne couple told their family and friends. Instead, they encouraged their guests to make a donation to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

This generous act raised more than $1000 for the program. Here’s cheers to a long a happy life for Skye and Simon – and the Tasmanian devil.

Read the full article.

Crikey! It's Mark Webber

A champion both on and off the track, Australian Formula One racer Mark Webber is raising money towards the establishment of a Tasmanian devil breeding enclosure at the Irwin family’s Australia Zoo. The 2007 Mark Webber Pure Tasmanian Challenge featured seven-days and more than 450 kms of grueling physical and mental adventure racing. This was the third year of the annual event, which raises money for the Mark Webber Challenge Foundation, supporting various Australian charities each year (www.markwebberchallenge.com)

Australia Zoo has been actively fundraising to build a devil enclosure. The support of the Mark Webber Challenge Foundation means that this project will soon become a reality. There are close to 100 Tasmanian devils in insurance populations outside Tasmania, managed on behalf of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program. Australia Zoo will not only play an important role in the captive-breeding program but, as one of Australia’s premier tourist attractions, it can educate people world-wide concerning the plight of the Tasmanian devil. The annual Mark Webber Challenge is part of a year-round program of fund-raising events. The next will be in March 2008, when Mark comes home for the Australian Grand Prix. Mark will be hosting a dinner at one of Melbourne’s pre-eminent venues in support of The Leukaemia Foundation, and the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

Firies come to the aid of Devils

The Tasmanian devil is one of the latest additions to the lengthy list of those that have been helped by Australasian Firefighters. More than 900 delegates from across the Australasia attended the Australasian Fire Authorities Council/Bushfire CRC dinner at the Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart, in September, 2007. They donated an amazing $2,310.70 for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program. Star attractions on the night were the Program’s newest recruit (our character suit), along with four gorgeous baby devils from Bonorong Wildlife Park. As well as the valuable funds raised, the event helped educate people from across Australasia about the plight of the Tasmanian devil.

Punk for the Devil

The spirit and energy of Sydney punk band Andorra is being unleashed in support of the Tasmanian devil. Andorra organised Punk for the Devil - an event in which 15 punks bands came together to record versions of ‘Do they know it’s Christmas?’ and ‘We Are the World’.

The bands have made the songs available for purchase online, directing the money toward the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

‘I’m a passionate environmentalist and see the preservation and revival of the Tasmanian devil as the most important ecological concern facing Australia at present,’ said Andorra lead singer, Joel Beasant.

‘We want to do something to continue to raise awareness and support for the organisations our there treating the animals and researching ways to save them.’

Punk for the Devil’ is available for download as songs and music videos through the ‘music forte’ website: www.musicforte.com

I believe I can fly

A seven-metre Tasmanian devil kite was launched in the skies above Hobart on November 4, 2007.

Taking 60 hours and thousands of dollars to build, the kite was the inspiration of Orford couple Genevieve and Allan Parish. They hope is will be a useful tool in drawing attention to the fight against the Devil Facial Tumour Disease.

The kite was designed by one of Australia's premier kite designers, Phil McConnachie.

Tassie – our newly-named Tasmanian devil character – attended the Clarence City Council’s Kite Festival to support the launch, and to spread word about the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

V8 Champs steering devils back on track

Champions from the V8 Supercar Series – drivers who know what it’s like to race against the clock – have thrown their support behind the urgent plight of the Tasmanian devil.

In October, 2007, V8 Supercar drivers John Bowe, Mark Winterbottom and Jack Perkins visited the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program’s purpose-built quarantine enclosures.

As part of an awareness program, V8 Supercars Australia donated $5000 toward the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, and will dedicate four pages within the Falken Tasmania Challenge Race program to raising the profile of the devil’s plight.

"I’m a bit of an animal lover and have always thought devils are pretty cute – in an only my mother could love me kind of way," said Mark 'Frosty' Winterbottom, who placed third in the 2006 Series. "Being in contact with one first hand, you really get a sense of how precious they are."

Round 13 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series, the Falken Tasmania Challenge, is scheduled for November 16-18 at Symmons Plains Raceway.

Other supporters...