Earthwatch Institute of Australia held its 40th Anniversary Oceania Gala Dinner with a Focus on Protecting our Manta Rays.
August 18, 2011 – Sydney Australia – Earthwatch Institute of Australia held its 40th Anniversary Oceania Gala Dinner to raise money and awareness about the deteriorating ocean environments around the world. The August 10th event saw over $40,000 raised with Brother International Australia as the presenting sponsor. Brother International Australia is a long term supporter of Earthwatch as part of its ongoing commitment to environmental conservation.
“Brother International Australia is proud to be associated with Earthwatch, an organization that continually pursues practical and sustainable solutions to combat the global challenges facing oceanic environments and eco-systems.” Explains Alex Rodriguez, Marketing Manager, CSR & Communications Support at Brother. “The funding provided by the Brother Earth ‘click to donate’ campaign will allow the researchers to continue their scientific research, code named ‘Project Manta’, through the purchase of 6 x Wildlife Computer Mk10 Pop-up Archival Transmitting satellite tags for tracking manta rays in the wild”
Project Manta is rectifying the disturbing lack of information by engaging scientists, industry partners, and the general public in a comprehensive study of manta rays that will enhance our knowledge of the species, generate economic and social benefits, and provide a basis for long-term monitoring of the environment.
The special guest speaker during the Oceania Gala was University of Queensland’s Dr. Kathy Townsend. Dr. Townsend talked about the important research that both her and the team are doing on Lady Elliot Island in Queensland, where they are using the support from Earthwatch and Brother to further deepen their understanding from scientific data collected from the iconic manta ray (Manta birsotris). The manta ray is the biggest species in the ray family, with a disc width of up to seven meters. This species is found all around the world’s oceans and makes it the prime candidate for further study based on its easy to spot shape and size.
The iconic manta ray (photo courtesy of Dr Kathy Townsend)
As well the $40,000 and invaluable awareness raised at the Gala Dinner, Brother International Australia also donated a range of their professional printers and devices that were auctioned off by local Australian celebrities and VIPs at the charity dinner.
These included;
• 2 x HL-2240D Mono Laser Printers with Auto Double-Sided (Duplex) Printing, Energy Star Certified
• HL-4570CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer with Auto Double Sided (Duplex) Printing, Energy Star Certified
• DS-140 Computerized Sewing Machine with LED light
• PT-1880 Electronic Desktop Labeler
The packed event drew some recognizable faces including Kate Ceberano, the award winning Australian singer and songwriter who performed a 40 minute set including the top charting hits ‘Bedroom Eyes’ and ‘Brave’. Other VIP guests spotted were TV presenter Melissa Hetherington who helped with the live auction, Melbourne design identities Gwendolynne and Richard Nylon as well as singer and songwriter Michael Paynter. The MC for the evening was no other than AFL presenter Hamish McLaughlan.
About Brother International Australia Pty Ltd
With over 100 years in operation, Brother International is a leading global manufacturer of laser printers, label printers, Multi Function Centres®, fax machines, P-touch electronic labellers, typewriters and sewing machines. A specialist in its product lines, Brother combines customer satisfaction and comprehensive measures for environmental conservation, to manufacture innovative, reliable and practical products to enhance the consumer’s lifestyle.
Brother Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Brother Industries, which was founded in 1908 in Japan. Brother Australia was established in 1977, with a head office located in Sydney and State offices located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
Brother Earth
Brother Earth is Brother’s commitment to play a part in building a society with better sustainable development. By clicking on the Brother Earth site you can determine how funds are allocated and play a part in contributing to a variety of global environmental protection activities.
Give your click at http://www.brotherearth.com