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.'

The plush Tasmanian devils come in two sizes and retail for $23.95 and $16.95.

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."

For more information, go to Nic’s website: www.naturenic.com.au

A taxing time for devils

A proportion of every tax return lodged by ITP – The Income Tax Professionals between July 1 and October 31, 2008 will be donated to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

Steven Page, the managing director of ITP, said the company often receives calls from various charities and community groups, wanting support.

"But we’re Tasmanian owned and operated, so we want to go with something that’s local,” Steven said. “And we think the Tasmanian devil is a great cause."

A portion of the fee that ITP charges for every tax return will be donated to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal. Steven said a service may also be provided for clients to donate to the Appeal – but only if interested.

"We’re hoping we might inspire a few other companies to also think up their own, unique ways to support the Tasmanian devil," Steven added.

This initiative applies to Southern Tasmanian offices of ITP – The Income Tax Professionals, which are located at:

• Shop 1, 29 Criterion Street, Hobart (6234 4377)
• Northgate Shopping Centre, Glenorchy (6273 3133)
• 7 Beach Road, Kingston (6229 6699)
• Suite 8, 2 Bayfield Street, Rosny (6244 8410)

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

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 fight to save the Tasmanian devil is collaboration between the Tasmanian Government, the University of Tasmania and other research institutions, schools, individuals and the corporate community.

A growing number of supporters are taking the initiative to raise money and support the Tasmanian Devil Appeal. To discuss sponsorship and scholarship possibilities please contact the University of Tasmania Foundation on 03 6226 2053 (International +61 3 6226 2053) or email University.Foundation@utas.edu.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.

Errol – our newly-named Tasmanian devil character (whose dashing good looks and suave smile are reminiscent of that other famous Tasmanian, Errol Flynn) – 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...