High Profile Reception for Tasmanian Devil Cause

23 January 2009

Efforts to save the endangered Tasmanian devil received a huge boost last night with US$13,200 raised at a charity dinner and silent auction in New York as part of Tourism Tasmania’s G’DAY USA 2009 Activities.

Speaking from New York, where she is leading Tasmania’s G’DAY USA delegation, Tourism Minister Michelle O’Byrne said more than 300 leading philanthropists attended the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) Benefit Dinner, supported by Tourism Tasmania, at the landmark Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

“Tourism Tasmania secured sixteen items including images from the Adobe Lightroom Tasmania Adventure held earlier this year and luxury Tasmanian experiences donated by Pure Tasmania, Premier Travel and Anthology.

“One lucky bidder secured the naming rights of a Tasmanian devil habitat near Cressy, with the US$6,000 of funds raised going towards furnishing and maintaining the enclosure.

Ms O’Byrne said the “Save the Tasmanian Devil” message at G’DAY USA 2009 was very strong.

“In addition to the silent auction and messages in the event program, American wildlife guru Jack Hanna – who filmed episodes of his hit television show Into the Wild in Tasmania earlier this year – urged the audience to support the Tasmanian devil cause via a pre-recorded message.

“And 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,” she said.

The Tasmanian theme continued with a performance by Tasmanian Aboriginal musician Dewayne Everettsmith, who had written an inspirational song about the Tasmanian devil especially for the event.

Ms O’Byrne said Tasmanian Petuna Ocean Trout and King Island Cheeses were a feature of the evening’s menu and Tasmanian wines were served throughout the evening.

“Working in partnership with leading Tasmanian wine makers – Jansz Tasmania, Tamar Ridge, Lalla Gully, Frogmore Creek and Domaine A – Tourism Tasmania secured wine exclusivity for Tasmania.

“The Tasmanian brand received further exposure through prominent Discover Tasmania advertising in the Benefit Dinner program and Tasmania-themed gift bags for the 25 Tourism Tasmania guests.”

G’DAY USA is a two-week spotlight on Australia, presented by the Australia Week Committee, with a diverse program of activities and events showcasing the very best of Australian culture, fashion, food, wine, tourism and business

G’DAY USA 2009 runs from 13-24 January 2009, with events in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.

Further information: Andrew Rhodes on 6233 2757