They are only the kids of the sea but they hold the reputation as the world’s most notorious shark. Bull sharks are extremely territorial predators that enjoy using canals as their own personal playground.

Instead of swings and play equipment these fascinating creatures cruise from the nursing ground of the Nerang River to canals in Surfers Paradise, Sea World and Broadbeach. These young sharks tend to favor areas which are deeper, darker and populated by bait fish.

While small, these sharks can chow down between one and 10 per cent of their body weight weekly with favorites including fish, other sharks, rays, dolphins, turtles, birds and crustaceans.

However there have been some incidences where the splashing of a swimmer has been mistaken for a struggling fish and as a result the hungry bull shark zooms in for a feed.

These concerns are addressed in Sea world’s new exhibit Shark Attack - Bull Sharks in our backyard. Sea World Director of Marine Sciences Trevor Long says the majority of attacks occur during low light at night or early morning.

“Sharks have always been a creature of mystery and fear and Shark Attack will explore the myths surrounding the sharks while educating people on how to avoid having interactions with these remarkable animals,” he says.

For full story click here.

Wearing his yellow CFA uniform and hugging an arm load of Dreamworld’s koala joeys, Mr Tree couldn’t believe how appropriate the Save the Koala Month message of ‘No Tree No Me’ suited him.

“Sam the koala changed my life and I knew I had to give back to her mates out in the wild,” Tree said.

“I saw first-hand the mass devastation of eucalypt forests caused by the Victorian fires, and that is only the tip of the iceberg. With more than eighty per cent of koala habitat already destroyed, the fact is, if we don’t start protecting koala trees, our wild koalas won’t last much longer.

“If Sam could speak, her message would be clear: No Tree, No Me.”

Tree urged all Australians to step up and join the Australian Koala Foundation and Dreamworld in the fight to save koala habitat by buying a No Tree No Me sticker this September.

CEO of the Australian Koala Foundation, ‘Koala Woman’ Deborah Tabart OAM was delighted to have Mr Tree’s support.

“Watching Tree’s interaction with Sam just took my breath away. The pair drew global attention to the plight of the koala so we’re thrilled to have him with us for the launch of Save the Koala Month here at Dreamworld,” she said.

“And who better to spread the message than a Tree himself!”

Outlets around Australia will sell the AKF’s No Tree No Me bumper sticker for only $1.

“It might not seem much, but contributions have already helped fund habitat mapping throughout the koala’s natural range and will ensure the AKF can remain the voice for the plight of the koala. People can find out where to get their sticker at savethekoala.com,” Ms Tabart said.

To cast light on the plight of the koala and other threatened species, Ms Tabart will join TVs Ranger Stacey, the Bilby Man, Frank Manthey and a host of other activists for a

special one day only Furry Friends Fun Day at Dreamworld on September 27.

Guests will be able to go from heart thumping thrill rides to heartrending moments with a range of Australia’s threatened species and enjoy a jam-packed day of conservation.

Activities include:
- meeting TV’s Ranger Stacey, former Olympian and patron of the bilby, Dawn Fraser, the Bilby Man, Frank Manthey, and Deborah Tabart (OAM) as they champion the cause of our cute and cuddlies.
- Watching Dreamworld’s 15 month old Sumatran tigers in a special Cub Chaos tiger presentation.
- Stamping support for endangered species on a Wall of Survival
- Creating enrichment toys designed to stimulate the senses of our native species.
- Having your face painted as your favourite furry friend
- Watching Ranger Stacey feed Goliath his first fish for the spring season
- And much more.

Ten percent of all ticket sales for Furry Friends Family Fun Day purchased through www.savethekoala.com will go to the Australian Koala Foundation.

No Tree No Me bumper stickers are sold for just $1 at:

Dreamworld, Australian Geographic stores
Perfect Potion, Mrs Fields Cookies
Greencross Vets, Malouf Pharmacies
Hogs Breaths Cafes, Go Vita Health Shops
Credit Union Australia branches
Selected newsagencies, Girl Guides

This is the second time Cup Cake day was run with last year boosting sales of over 250,00 of these delicious treats. RSPCA Queensland spokeswoman Andrea Fagg says these events raise awareness of issues such as pet registrations.

“We had over 16 thousand pet registrations this year which is stronger than last year, it is a bit exciting,” she says.

Sadly over 20,000 unwanted or lost cats are euthanized each year in Queensland with some getting lost and having no way of finding their way home. Now Queensland councils have introduced a compulsory law for cat owners to register their furry buddy free until 30 June 2010 so your cat will become easy to identify if adventure beckons.

Additionally Brisbane City Council is offering six months free registration if you buy your cat or dog from the RSPCA, council animal shelter or licensed pet shop. Brisbane local Christine Dawson who attended the fund raiser at Hamilton Park says the best part of the day was the cup cakes.

“I’m here with my dog Yogi, it is great fun especially the games we participated in the spoon race and got two out of three,” she says.

The best animal-related club or association award is levelling with two outstanding leaders; however they are being closely trailed by other nominees too! Margaret from Brisbane has voted for last year’s winner, the Beagle Club of Queensland, for their 'hard work ethic and because they care about the welfare of the Beagle breed as a whole.'

Nicola of NSW has nominated Charlotte Reeves Photography in the First Class Pet Photographer category as Charlotte creates ‘amazing pictures of every subject she points her camera at’! Jen of Qld also checks Charlotte’s blogs daily to be inspired by her work.

The Finest Feast award, explores the quality and nutritiousness of pet food available locally, and of course how yummy it is too! Robyn from Victoria loves PolaPaws Pet Treats as their dog treats have no preservatives, no colours added and no wheat products for the optimum health of your dog!

The Biggest Heart award also has room for a little more contesting with four nominees resting at almost equal percentages! Ian from NSW says Friends of the Hound make a huge difference in promoting Greyhounds as making great pets which results in saving so many lives.

The Outstanding Pet Shop (with pets) category has received numerous nominations, three who are closely pawing the winning line. Aleisa of South-East Queensland said 'it is always a pleasure to shop at the Pet Barn in Nerang as staff are friendly and eager to help.'

Don’t forget you go into the draw to WIN a year’s worth of dog-washes thanks to last years Snazziest Stylist winner Helen, from Paradise Dog Grooming on the Gold Coast, a Family Pass to Dreamworld and Cupcake Parlour vouchers just for voting!

All nominees are greatly honoured by your pleasant remarks and support, and every vote counts in these closing stages so make sure to get them in before September 7th!

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The 'Chicks at Lunch’ are putting on a light-hearted and fun night, raising money for the Animal Welfare League of Queensland. They have organised “Erogenous Zones”, a ‘poignant but humorous look at the ups and downs of being in or out of a relationship’ at the Spotlight Theatre.
Why not come and enjoy yourself while supporting the well being of our furry friends?

WHEN: Thursday September 10 at 7:30PM

WHERE: Spotlight Theatre, Benowa, Qld

COST: $20 each

CONTACT: 0755 099 033 for bookings.

The Gold Coast will host an intimate dinner with Australia’s Winery of the Year to raise money for Guide Dogs Queensland.

In the 2010 Wine Companion book, award-winning author James Halliday named the Hunter Valley vineyard as Australian Winery of the Year, which according to the dinner organiser, is a real coup. Tyrrell’s winery will be represented by managing director Bruce Tyrrell OAM at the exclusive event at Bumbles Café on the evening of Thursday, 17 September.

In the 2010 Wine Companion book, award-winning author James Halliday named the Hunter Valley vineyard as Australian Winery of the Year, which according to the dinner organiser, is a real coup.

Guide Dogs Queensland General Manager Glen Allen-Ankins said Bruce Tyrrell’s presence at the dinner, which would host only 60 guests, would provide wine lovers with a unique opportunity to learn from the ‘best in the business’.

Mr Allen-Ankins, who runs GDQ’s Wine Club, said Mr Tyrrell’s passion and knowledge of the craft of wine making made the dinner “unmissable” for connoisseurs of fine wine.

“Wine lovers can meet and converse with a true luminary in the industry whose historic vineyard has received the ultimate accolade,” Mr Allen-Ankins said.

Like a game of golf every now and again?
Have a pet of your own or a passion for animals?

Come down to the Middle Ridge Golf Club in Toowoomba for a great afternoon of golf with other animal-lovers in support of the Toowoomba RSPCA Charity Golf Day! There are lots of great prizes as well as a free sausage sizzle lunch.
The event is a 4 ball Ambrose, 18 holes, with a shot-gun start.

Cost is $50 per player with all profits going to the RSPCA of Toowoomba.

The third annual Animal Action Day will be on October 3 (Saturday 10am until midnight) this year at Threeworlds, 2558 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach. The charity fun family event aims to raise awareness, appreciation and respect for all animals and all proceeds this year will go to the World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA). My vision is for it to be a worldwide annual event.

This year we will have a heap of great performers until midnight, jumping castle, face painting, stalls and much more!

You can see a five-minute video from the first event in 2007 on You Tube! Simply search ‘Animal Action Day’ and you’ll see some action from the event. If you are on Facebook, you can also join the Animal Action Day group!

Currently seeking sponsors, stall holders, raffle prizes – with all proceeds going to help raise money for WSPA and raise awareness about animal issues. Sponsors and stall holders are promoted online and in the media. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the last two events. For updates, check www.aaxpose.com.

Stalls are FREE! We just ask for a donation for WSPA.

Sunday, 29th November at Pizzey Park is the date chosen however notices with details closer to the time will be emailed or posted on the web site, www.cavalierrescue.org.au.

This beautiful snowman so skilfully knitted by one of our members Shirley Smith, and kindly donated as a raffle for Cavalier Rescue. His name is Mr Bojangles and he stands 49cm (19 1/4") high to the top of his hat.
The raffle will be drawn on the Picnic Day.

We look forward to seeing many of you and
your precious Cavaliers on the day!

tickets sold on the day (about $500 both years) went to the Animal Welfare League and David Fleay Wildlife Park respectively.

“This is the first year the event will be held on a Saturday and will go until midnight, so it will be one big party, as well as a day of celebration for the animals,” Aldwyn said.

Since it will be held at Threeworlds, at 2558 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, just south of Conrad Jupiters and Pacific Fair, there will also be fantastic exposure to passers by on the day.

Limited spaces are available for stall holders this year. Stalls are free - business owners will just be invited to provide a tax-deductible donation (recommended to be at least $20) for WSPA.

For further info please click here.

Breeders Online Advert includes:
• Hyperlink to direct website and email
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• 40-words of text to describe your breed
• Plus all contact details
• Text and images update available throughout your 12-month campaign
• State-wide listing