Press Release

Wednesday 4 July 2007

TAZ TO THE RESCUE
Taz, the spinning Warner Bros cartoon character, has given its real life Tasmanian Devil cousins a massive helping hand in fighting the deadly facial tumour disease.

Proceeds from the sale of the first 2,000 Taz plush toys produced by Tourism Tasmania under licence from Warner Bros. have raised $50,000.

Handing the cheque to the University of Tasmania Foundation, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, said the famous Taz cartoon character had been invaluable in drawing attention to the plight of the Tasmanian devil.

“The appeal of the Warner Bros. character has been a huge advantage,” said Ms Wriedt.

“Already we have sold a further 1,000 toys from a second production run of 3,000, so there will be more funds available soon.”

The University of Tasmania Foundation’s, Dick Watson, said the money would assist with groundbreaking research into the Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease.

"The University of Tasmania Foundation is delighted this has been a successful fundraising project and we look forward to the ongoing support of Warner Bros. in helping save the Tasmanian devil,” Mr Watson said.

“This research is vital for the Tasmanian devil's continued survival in the wild and we look forward to a positive outcome for the Tasmanian devil."

Since Tourism Tasmania’s initial contact with Warner Bros. in 2004, its relationship with the organisation has strengthened, with new opportunities arising to raise even more funds for research.

“This week, a series of 18 DVDs goes on sale under the banner ‘Looney Tunes to the Rescue’,” said Ms Wriedt.

“Warner Home Video will donate $1 from each DVD sold between now and the first of August 2007 to the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

“The DVDs are available for $11.95 each at Target, Big W and Kmart stores nationwide.

“Importantly, every DVD carries information about real Tasmanian devils and the Devil Facial Tumour Disease.

“Channel Nine is producing an episode of the television program ‘WB Kids’ dedicated to the Tasmanian devil and featuring the Looney Tunes character, Taz.

“This episode is scheduled to go to air nationally this coming Saturday.”

Ms Wriedt said the Tasmanian Devil Appeal is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when committed individuals and organisations work together for a worthwhile project.

“Funds from the sale of the Taz plush toy will contribute to research and management priorities set by the Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease Steering Committee.

“The funds will be allocated by the University of Tasmania Foundation through the Tasmanian Wildlife Research Advisory Committee.”

Anyone who would like to support the Tasmanian Devil Appeal is urged to visit the website www.tassiedevil.com.au.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au