Dancing For The Devils - 7 November, 2008

The dancing community have once again rallied to the call and danced the night away at the annual "Dancing for the Devils" held in Launceston on 7th Nov.

The show, in its' second year, featured a variety of dancers performing tap, ballet, Scottish and Irish dances, belly dance, clogging, and more.

14 year old Michael Zinner and Taylor Ferguson flew in from Victoria to dance four Latin/ballroom dances. They have been chosen to represent Australia in Russia in 2009 and we wish them the very best of luck.

The standard of dancing was once again excellent and the audience generous with their donations. The volunteer workers did a fabulous job keeping the show going and of course our wonderful sponsors made the night possible.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated on the night!

See our Photo Gallery for more photo's.

Introducing our f irst USA sponsor - Shana Logic

Basically I run an online shop called "Shana Logic" www.shanalogic.com. I sell jewelry, apparel, accessories, home goods and more but what makes it special is that every product was either handcrafted by an artist or designed by an artist or small business!

There's nothing mass produced and it gives the artists a venue to make a living as crafters which is very rare in this chain-store, name brand world! In the states (and maybe in australia), it's called "Indie Shopping" ;-)

I designed the site, took most of the photos, wrote all of the descriptions, do the marketing, etc. and have a couple employees who help with customer service and shipping-- We're small! I run the whole shop from a small warehouse about 5 blocks from my home.

The most interesting part is that because I've been in some australian blogs, I do a LOT of business with your country! I ship international quite a bit and australia is one of the countries I ship to the most! I sell about 1000 products by over 100 artists and even have a line of belts and jewelry myself!

I'm excited to be your first USA sponsor and do a lot of volunteer wildlife rescue myself (squirrels, raccoons, woodchucks)

Shana Victor

Tulip Festival in Wynyard

Wynyard turned on a beautiful sunny day and the people visiting the Festival dug deep to help save the devils.

Bruce and his devils were the star attractions but David, Joanna, Fiona and Katrina rattled tins, whipped up sorbet and soup in their Thermomixes and sold merchandise with the help of the Wynyard Devils’ Army volunteers.

A total of $2406.55 was raised in a few frenzied hours! A total of 15 army recruits were signed up by Sergeant Major Katrina and her offsider Heather – well done girls!

Thanks everyone for a wonderful day and thanks to the generous Wynyard Community.

See our Photo Gallery for more photo's.

Bruce Englefield becomes Tasmanian Of The Year 2008 - 15th August, 2008

The GOVERNOR OF TASMANIA, HIS EXCELLENCY THE HONOURABLE PETER UNDERWOOD AO announced and presented the 2008 Tasmanian of the Year Award to Mr Bruce Englefield at a reception at Government House on Friday evening 15th August.

Bruce exemplifies the purpose of the Tasmania Committee, for in using his passion for the Tasmanian Devil, he has demonstrated a love of Tasmania through appreciation and recognition of and attention to the unique aspects of the Tasmanian environment and lifestyle.

Not only is Bruce helping in the fight for this endangered species to survive and prosper but through his actions he has contributed significantly to the development and enhancement of a positive atmosphere within the Tasmanian community.

Bruce exudes a vibrancy and influence as exhibited by the bands of people who have joined him in his many 'save the devil' endeavours. In doing so he is capturing the hearts and minds of many people. Through his actions, Mr. Englefield inspires Tasmanians with the motivation to help save the devil. His enthusiasm is spreading as more and more Tasmanians are now following Bruce's example by donating their expertise time and money to the welfare of this endangered mammal.

Bruce Englefield came from the UK and fell in love with not just the people, the climate, the environment but also the Tasmanian Devil. It was because of this he bought East Coast Natureworld and moved with his family to Tasmania.

He has donated the use of 28 acres of land to the Tasmanian Government to in order to establish a viable insurance population of disease-free devils. Mr Englefield and his team have undertaken their own efforts to raise the funding and build the Devil Island facility. To help raise funds, Bruce and his team, calling themselves "The Devil Islanders" competed in and successfully completed the London marathon towards their aim of raising $130,000.

He provides inspiration to others by illustrating what can be done in Tasmania and in doing so he is leading the formation of optimism in this state.

Bicheno Devil Dash and Fun Weekend - 24 & 25 May, 2008

On Sunday the 25th May Shane Gould's photographic work titled “WATERSCAPE" - a photo essay from a swimmers perspective, was exhibited in the Bicheno hall during the fun of the weekend in Bicheno.

As well as Shane’s exhibition there was a display of the entries from the Amateur Photography competition sponsored by Stallards Camerahouse, Launceston, and the Examiner newspaper with three digital cameras as the main prizes.

The public were asked to choose a “People’s Choice” winner which was announced at the close of the exhibition at 3.30 pm.

Bicheno winners included:
Simone Mc Donald 13 yrs who won the Judge's Merit Award
Steven Johnson 11 yrs who won the Primary School Award
Daniel Johnson 8 yrs who won the People's Choice Award

The grand prize and Secondary School Award were won by interstate entrants from NSW.

Well done all the lucky winners!

Waji Spiby from Waji's Catering in Hobart and the chaps from Pierre's in Launceston, (Ivan and Rohan) cooked up a storm on the BBQ. Thanks for all your hard work and time fellas!

Devil Dash Results

1st place: Richard Wells, 34 mins 3 secs
2nd place: Simon Law, 40 mins 21 secs
2nd place: Iain Law, 40 mins 21 secs
4th place: Dawn Penny, 42 mins, 33 secs

Well done,everyone!

Download full Dash results

See our Photo Gallery for more photo's.

Sunday, 18th May 2008

Devil Island is officially open!

Devil Island was officially opened by the Attorney-General, Minister Justice, Primary Industries and Water, and Minister for Energy and Resources, David Llewellyn MP at noon on Sunday the 18th May 2008. Here is the press release from the Minister:

"Primary Industries and Water Minister, David Llewellyn, has welcomed the involvement of an east coast wildlife park in the State’s efforts to build up a genetically viable “insurance population” of Tasmanian devils.

Mr Llewellyn said Bruce Englefield’s East Coast Natureworld was an example of the importance of having a diverse range of groups and organizations involved in the conservation effort.

“There is no single, magical solution to the impacts of the Facial Tumour Disease on the wild Tasmanian devil population,” Mr Llewellyn said.

“That is why it is valuable to have a variety of organizations, individuals, government, and wildlife and disease experts involved in a range of areas.

"These diverse groups are united in their common goal of seeing the ongoing survival of the Tasmanian devil in the wild.”

Mr Llewellyn said that Mr Englefield and his team had undertaken their own efforts to raise the funding and build the Devil Island facility, and now was working in partnership with the State Government’s Save the Tasmanian Devil Program in helping to build up a viable insurance population of the species.

“As part of our efforts to see the ongoing survival of the species, an Insurance Population strategy has been developed to build up an insurance population of Tasmanian devils through wildlife parks, zoos and other measures.

“If required, these animals could be utilized to help re-establish Tasmanian devil numbers in the wild.”

Mr Llewellyn said that the Department of Primary Industries and Water has entered into an agreement under the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program for the Devil Island Project to manage up to 10 disease-free devils within a large enclosure as part of the Insurance Population Strategy.

"The Devil Island Project is the first attempt in the world to manage Tasmanian devils within extensive areas,” he said.

“No-one has undertaken this before and we are keen to determine if it is possible to house and successfully breed Tasmanian devils in this way.”

Shane Gould officially designated as a “Living Treasure”, a keynote speaker, businesswoman, photographer, educator and now a competitor at Master’s events was a guest speaker at the opening.

Four devils were released onto the "Island" with a further 8 being released after dark. What a fabulous sight to see them running off into the distance in their new home.

We did it!

See our Photo Gallery for more photo's.

London Marathon - 13 April, 2008

Flying the flag for the Tasmanian Devil in London

Pictured below are the Devil Islanders who ran the race of their lives on the 13th April 2008 to raise money through running the London Marathon.

WE MADE IT!

We all competed in and all completed the marathon! We all suffered during and after the race but have recovered miraculously. We were spurred on by the London crowds, the promised sponsorship money, knowing that we had all of Tasmania behind us, and of course, by the devils.

We all finished in under 7 hours so each received a beautiful medal commemorating the event which happened to be the centenary year for the race. We are all proud to have made it through the grueling training and to the start line of the marathon, and to reach the finishing line is a memory we will have with us for life. The crowd was super supportive, the weather temperamental, the toilet queues horrendous, but the organisation was excellent.

THANK YOU London! THANK YOU Tasmania! THANK YOU all our sponsors! And THANK YOU to all our support crews - family, friends and medical - we couldn't have done it without your help!

front: Jim Roberts-Thompson - Joanna Stronach - Fiona Hoskin - Maureen Englefield - Debbie Gardam - Dale Hunter - Andrew Woodard
back: Belinda Woodard - Bruce Englefield - Linda Donachie

For more photo's, see our Photo Gallery

Easter Egg Raffle - 20 March, 2008

Winner of our Easter egg raffle was Riyan Burlak of South Launceston – drawn by Maureen on 20th March, 2008.

Linda’s raffle sold 732 tickets in the end so a good sum raised by all selling tickets.

Well done Linda and all raffle ticket sellers!

Australian Pacific Touring - Tasmanian Devil Sponsorship Program

The Tasmanian Devil facial tumour disease has spread state wide and is a major threat to the devil population. To encourage the survival of the species, APT is a proud sponsor of Delilah, a female devil kept at East Coast Natureworld in Bicheno.

APT will continue to support Delilah's feeding, keeping, health and breeding program to ensure the growth of the devil population in a protected environment.

Furthermore, APT's contribution of $3000 is also assisting the Devil Island Project - An enclosed area of 28 acres which will house disease free devils and potentially Delilah's healthy offspring in the future.

APT passengers will have the opportunity to meet Delilah on tour and learn more about how the conservation contribution is assisting to support this debilitating disease amongst Tasmanian devils.

In addition, to supporting efforts to save the Tasmanian Devil, APT maintains an ongoing commitment for projects carried out in conjunction with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy around Australia.

East Launceston Primary School joins in the fight to save the Tasmanian Devil

The grade 1/2 class at East Launceston Primary have been busy. VERY busy!

They have been selling cakes at school to raise money to help save the Tasmanian Devil and gave a huge cheque for $605.00 to Linda Donachie and Fiona Hoskin from Devil Islanders last week.

Well done to all those fabulous children and their supporting parents and teachers. The donation will enable the group to plant a tree bearing a plaque with the school's name on it in the park and buy some much needed fencing equipment. The children have also been busy learning about the Tasmanian Devil and making beautiful cushions with fluffy devils on the front. Aren't they gorgeous?

Another class project - paper mache Tasmanian devils! These ones are on their very own "Devil Island" in the school yard. What talented children!

Click for more photo's.

Point to Pinnacle - 22 km - 18 November, 2007

YIPPEE! We did it! We climbed the mountain.

We went from Wrest Point Casino to the Pinnacle of Mt Wellington. What a buzz!

But let’s start at the beginning...

Preparation the night before consisted of 2 bottles of champagne, courtesy of “Champs” Donachie, followed by a wonderful dinner courtesy of Chef “Champs”.

A riotous and fun night was had by all. Especially when Debbie producing her laptop and then started pulling , like rabbits out of a hat, all the gadgets that went along with it (one at a time of course). And just when “Champs” thought all had been revealed Debbie would produce yet another gizmo. Hence her new nickname…”Gizmo” Gardam!

Early to bed but not to sleep for poor “Gizmo” who had to put up with Joanna sawing wood all night thanks to too much Bubbly! Champs and Gizmo decided I needed a nickname so I have duly dubbed “Jolly” (haven’t worked that one out yet). Then it continued, Fiona is now “Fizzy” Hoskins (she is our little bottle of bubbly), Dale is Pee Wee (all is revealed as to why in our next cartoon).

We then ran out of time so the rest of you will have to wait for your new monikers.

Now to serious stuff…Champs time was 3 hours and 33 mins (what a champ!) Pee Wee’s time was 3 hours and 39 mins, Gizmo’s time was 3 hours and 40 mins and Jolly’s was 3 hours and 50 mins. Well done us!

There is a slight chance I might be on WIN news. Not because I’m famous or anything., but their news team was filming a group dressed up as pirates and I happened to be running in front of them!

Cheers,
Joanna

Dancing for the Devils Dance Spectacular - 16 November, 2007

What a team effort our dancing night to raise funds was! Over 130 local dancers giving up their time to come and dance with Tam and Sal from Brisbane, and lots of volunteer workers and team members behind the scenes making sure the night ran smoothly.

Thank you everyone and thank you to the audience who paid to come along and helped us raise well over $4,000 for the night. We're still waiting for postal donations to come in before we can release the final figure but it certainly was a fabulous night.

We were treated to a night of spectacular dancing at an exceptionally high level of standard that delighted everyone there.

The generosity of our sponsors was unrivalled meaning that nearly every cent raised was profit - a huge thank you to them all! The supper afterwards was delicious and enjoyed by many who stayed and shared our joy.

Thought for the Day: Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance...and dance as if no-one is watching!

Burnie Ten - Sunday, 21 October, 2007

Race Results:

Harold Roberts-Thompson: 47 mins 7 secs
Andrew Woodard: 47 mins 42 secs
Phillip Chugg: 51 mins 49 secs
Bruce Englefield: 55 mins 05 secs
Linda Donachie: 58 mins 5 secs
Dale Hunter: 1 hour 5 mins 24 secs
Joanna Stronach: 1 hour 13 mins
Debbie Gardam: 1 hour 17 mins 5 secs
Maureen Englefield: 1 hour 17 mins 25 secs
Fiona Hoskin: 1 hour 26 mins 27 secs (Calculated time – 25 mins less – that’s taking off the time Fiona spent trying to assist Debbie after her fall!)

Muscling in to raise funds for the Tasmanian Devil - 20 October, 2007

Health and Fitness World in Launceston joined in the bid to help raise funds for the Tasmanian Devil Islanders on Saturday.

Organized by Linda, fitness instructors, Andrew and Michelle led a pump class where members paid gold coins to participate. They were treated to a half time display by a body builder named Alpha. Alpha showed the muscles that make him a stand-out professional in his field then ran round the room collecting more money for the cause with one of our tins.

A very big thank-you to all who helped to make the day successful and best wishes to Alpha in his upcoming competition where he hopes to wow the judges with those bulging muscles.

Wanna see more? Check out our Photo Gallery.

Fun in Westbury - 9th September, 2007

Fiona, Joanna and Debbie ran the 8 kms in the Westbury Rotary Club Fun Run on 9th September. Their times were:

Fiona 62min 2sec
Joanna 61min 2sec
Debbie 51min 7sec

The Westbury Rotary Club presented us with a cheque for $100 which was very much appreciated. Also a big thankyou to Ellis Shaw for the big plug on the Devil Island Project.

Maureen and Bruce have been in the UK checking out facilities and the marathon route ready for the great expedition next year with the team. London greeted them with a 32ºC beautiful Summer day. Ideal for a bit of training in St James Park and outside Buckingham Palace, they managed to avoid the Corgis! They found training in the heat of Summer very different from the cool of a Tassie Winter and learned just how important dehydration prevention is. Lessons learned for next April.

Then it was on to Normandy, France where Maureen completed a half marathon with Bruce tagging on for company. Marvellous facility for running/jogging, they have used the no longer needed railway lines to produce gently sloping trackways that meander through the valleys from town to town. A chance to enjoy the beautiful countryside in peace and safety as no cars or motorbikes are allowed.

 Whilst they have been away the rest of the team have been hard at training, raising sponsorship, getting incorporation and setting up a bank account and organising a Bicheno fun run day for January 6th. Next milestone will be the Burnie Ten.

Several donations to the fund have been received whilst Maureen and Bruce have been away and thank you's etc. will be completed once they return. The generosity of Australians and Tasmanians is proving incredible.

Eco Edward - 30 July, 2007

The North of the state has its very own Nature Ambassador as 6 year old Launceston boy, Edward Vaughan joins the campaign to save the Tasmanian Devil from extinction.

Our very own "Eco Edward", a Year 1 student at Trevallyn Primary School and his 8 year old sisiter Mahalina, are adding their voices to the ever-growing number of young children in the State who are concerned about the plight of the Tasmanian Devil. These children are giving up toys, treats and play time to spend time making money to donate to saving the species.

The sad story of the Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) moves Edward so much that he cries sometimes because he doesn't want the devils to die. Edward has been saving his pocket money so that he can become a scientist and save the devil when he grows up.

Recently he heard about the"Tasmanian Devil Islanders" and was excited to realise that he could help NOW. Armed with tins, stickers and blazing smiles or ferocious "Tasmanian Devil" faces, they will be hard at work collecting money for the teams project to save the Tasmanian Devil. Three cheers for Eco Edward and Mahalina!

Contact the group if you wish to help sell stickers or collect donations in the specially marked tins.

See Photo's for more shots of Edward!

Mercure Launceston 10 - 22 July, 2007

The 'Devil Islanders' team arrived to a very foggy Launceston Winter morning ready to compete in the inaugural Mercure Launceston Ten. What a ball we all had. Smartly turned out we attracted the kind of notice we needed to help the Tasmanain Devil through fund raising for our great project.

Announced to great cheers we lined up and were off on the 10kms run. Some had already announced there hopes for times, others remained dark horses. Amazingly, it was one of the latter who came home first for the team with a time that puts him into the elite athletes for his age. Good on you Phillip Chugg.

Team times and place overall:

1) Phillip Chugg 0:51:25 458

2) Andrew Woodard 0:53:51 548

3) Linda Donachie 0:58:36 654

4) Bruce Englefield 0:59:02 661

5) Debbie Gardam 1:08:0 776

6) Dale Hunter 1:12:27 807

7) Fiona Hoskins 1:18:36 863

8) Joanna Stronach 1:19:37 871

9) Maureen Englefield 1:26:38 911

Of the 1250 that entered the race 1052 finished. I'm sure we all can't wait for our next big test the Burnie Ten in October. The organisers of the Launceston Ten are to be congratulated on its smooth running and the wonderful atmosphere created. I think everyone showed how life at any age is what you make it and since everyone did better than their previous personal bests "Go for it you Devils".

The icing on the cake was the organisers last minute announcement that they had decided to auction off on e-bay a copy of the race card signed by all the elite athletes and donate to our Devil Island Project. A motivating decision.

So anyone reading this please go to e-bay and put in your bid for this unique momento, there will never be another first Mercure Launceston Ten.

The Old Devil
Bruce