Friday, January 01, 2010

Star City Casino strike New Year's Day - 31st December 2009

Staff at Sydney's Star City casino will walk off the job for one hour on New Year's Day as part of a continuing row over pay.

The Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU) says workers will strike from 8pm until 9pm (AEDT) in a bid to secure a higher pay offer, but a Star City spokesman says the casino will operate as usual.

"Staff have been negotiating with Star City for a new enterprise agreement for more than eight months," LHMU NSW branch secretary Mark Boyd said in a statement on Thursday.

"Star City staff have decided to take one-hour strike action from New Year's Day because they are frustrated by the casino's unfair wage offer and management's refusal to listen to them."

But Star City spokesman Peter Grimshaw says only a small group of employees is expected to carry out the industrial action and the casino would operate as usual.

"Only 17 per cent of employees voted to strike so it will be business as usual at Star City," he said in a statement.

A LHMU spokeswoman told AAP on Thursday that further strikes could follow through January.

Star City staff have twice voted against previous pay offers made in September and December, the LHMU union said.

The union has previously said members have been offered a two per cent pay rise.

But Mr Grimshaw said the casino had "put a very fair offer on the table including a nine per cent increase in wages over three years and increased allowances".

"However, the union is trying to retain outdated work practices including loadings on sick leave," he said.

Mr Boyd said $575 million was being spent to renovate the venue, its top executives were paid $2.6 million and the casino's last quarter revenue was up 11.6 per cent. (Credit: Wires, Fairfax Media, Google News, LHMU, Media Man)

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Monday, December 28, 2009

TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers Raises More Than $550,000 From the 2009 "Hold'em for Heroes" Celebrity Weekend - 21st December 2009

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 21, 2009 - The TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers generated more than $550,000 in gross donations during its fifth annual "Hold'em for Heroes" celebrity tournament weekend held November 19-21, 2009.

The weekend's events featured three days of poker tournaments at the Fort McDowell Casino, including a "high roller" event filled with more than 35 celebrities from: the World Series of Poker(R) (WSOP), professional sports teams, television, movies, and artists from the country and hip hop genres. Many of these same players also participated in the charity's first celebrity golf tournament played at the beautiful WeKoPa Golf Club in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

The returning hosts for the events were the 11-time WSOP Champion, Phil Hellmuth and Country Music Recording Artist, Mark Wills.

During the weekend's activities, local players had the opportunity to golf with celebrities like Richard Karn of "Home Improvement" and play their best poker hands against champions like Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari, Layne Flack, and local poker hero Tom Schneider for the chance to win a $10,000 seat in the 2010 World Series of Poker tournament held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mark Rubin, a local player, won the event, with Jeff Madsen, one of the WSOP celebrity players, taking second.

Kathy Hanrahan, the CEO for the TASER Foundation, commented, "The results achieved for the 2009 'Hold'em for Heroes' event was a great way to end the year. We were encouraged by the level of support achieved in such a tough economy."

"We would like to thank the local community for their continued support of this very worthwhile cause, and our premium corporate sponsors: Fort McDowell Casino, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona, Hillard Heintze, TASER International, the Poker Players' Alliance, and Hogue Printing Solutions for underwriting the key expenses and making the event possible," added Hanrahan. "A special thank you is also necessary for the men and women of law enforcement who attended the event, and to the very special family members of our fallen Arizona officers. This weekend was to honor these heroes, and to remind them that the TASER Foundation will be here to help law enforcement and its families in their time of need."

For more information on the event, or to see or purchase photographs from the tournament weekend, please email SupportingtheFamily@TASERFoundation.org.

To learn more about how you can assist the TASER Foundation in its mission to help these families during their time of need, please visit www.TASERFoundation.org, or call 1-800-978-2737, extension 2012. Every dollar raised makes a difference in their lives, and lets the families know how grateful we are for their sacrifice.

About the TASER Foundation

The TASER Foundation distributes financial memorial grants to the families of fallen officers in the United States and Canada through donations and an initial endowment of $1,000,000. More than half of the initial endowment came in direct contribution from TASER International employees with the balance contributed by the company. Onetime grants are available only upon request by chiefs of police and sheriffs as well as federal law enforcement executives in the name of sworn officers killed in the line of duty since August 1, 2004. The TASER Foundation's mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of local and federal law enforcement officers in the United States and Canada lost in the line of duty by providing financial support to their families. TASER International bears all of the administrative costs of the TASER Foundation in order to ensure 100 percent of all donations are distributed to the families of fallen officers. For further information contact Kathy Hanrahan, President and CEO of the TASER Foundation, at Kathy@TASER.com or call 800-978-2737, extension 2012. Visit the TASER Foundation website at www.TASERFoundation.org for facts and video.

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Thursday, December 24, 2009

Poker priest misses out on a million - 23rd December 2009

Poker playing Florida priest, Fr Andrew Trapp, didn't win the $1 million prize on the PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge but says he is "happy with the way things turned out."

Fr Trapp said the finale has been called "one of the most amazing, exciting hours of game show TV ever filmed, and that's why I'm looking forward to watching it with my parish family," the Sun News reports.

Word first leaked to the New York Post that Mike Kosowski, a 21 year NYPD veteran, won the $1 million prize by defeating Trapp and poker star Daniel Negreanu, Trapp confirmed Monday afternoon.

"He ended up beating me and the other two finalists for the shot to play for the million," Trapp said. "I'm disappointed. It's been really tough the past few weeks with everybody asking how I did. I'm happy with the way things turned out. I just think it was meant for Mike to win this."

The church will hold a viewing party Sunday. The episode is worth watching because of Kosowski's inspiring story, Trapp said. It will also include a feature on St Michael's fundraising efforts and show why the church needs a new building.

Kosowski was one of the first responders to arrive at the World Trade Centre during the September 11, 2001, attacks. His story is chronicled in the book "Never Forget: The Oral History of September 11."

"It's a really compelling show," Trapp said. "It's going to be a very emotional show because even after people see Mike knock me out, they are going to start rooting for Mike. He's a September 11 hero. I think we all are going to be cheering him on, everybody across the country."

Though Trapp didn't win the ultimate prize, he did win $100,000, which has already been donated to the St Michael church building fund. The church received the full amount because it is a nonprofit.

"I hate to disappoint all the good people here at St Michael, but I think they'll still be proud of me and it will be a really exciting show to watch."

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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Sydney Star City Casino workers vote to strike - 22nd December 2009

Staff at Sydney's Star City casino have voted to take industrial action over pay, frustrated over a two per cent rise offered by management.

The LHMU hospitality union says staff in the next few days are likely to decide exactly what action to take and when.

"Star City staff have decided on strike action because they are frustrated by the casino's unfair wage offer and management's refusal to listen to them," LHMU NSW branch secretary Mark Boyd said in a statement on Tuesday night.

"The casino put its offer to a vote of all staff in September and earlier this month. Star City staff voted overwhelmingly `no' twice to the casino's unfair pay offer.

"Star City is refusing to listen to its staff who just want a decent pay rise and don't want to lose any of their conditions.

"The decision to consider action is not taken lightly but staff feel it is their last resort."

Mr Boyd said $575 million was being spent renovating the venue, its top executives were paid $2.6 million and the casino's last quarter revenue was up 11.6 per cent.

No one was available for comment at Star City on Tuesday night. (Credit: Wires, Google News, AP)

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Friday, December 18, 2009

Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Unite Named 25 Best Givers' list

Richard Branson and his Virgin Unite have been named in 'The 25 Best Givers' list published by Barron's and consulting firm Global Philanthropy Group.

The list recognises top philanthropists who insist on 'more bang for the buck' in tight economic times.

Richard and Virgin Unite were recognised alongside the likes of the Skoll Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the William J. Clinton Foundation, among others.

Richard received special mention for his environmental efforts such as the Carbon War Room, the Clinton Global Initiative pledge to invest all profits from Virgin's transportation businesses over the next 10 years in renewable energy, and the $25 million Earth Prize for a plan to remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Click here for the full article published at Barrons

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Pink pigeon race date set - Fairfax - 9th December 2009

The Great Betfair Pink Pigeon Race Day is to be held again next year on January 5 to coincide with Jane McGrath Day.

Starting at Dundas Oval in Narromine it will finish 30 kilometres away, as the crow flies, in Trangie.

Following the success it enjoyed in January of this year the force behind the race, Trangie publican Shane Dolton, is in talks with Channel Nine about the possibility of the race becoming an annual event for the region.

Channel Nine first approached Mr Dolton last year with the idea of a fundraising pigeon race to raise money for breast cancer.

He then put the inaugural event together within two weeks and saw a figure of more than $10,000 raised for the McGrath Foundation.

Mr Dolton was flown to Sydney prior to the first Pink Pigeon Race Day to promote the event on The Cricket Show...

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Hulk Hogan Make-A-Wish Foundation - News Limited - 23rd November 2009

Wrestling sensation Hulk Hogan brought smiles to the faces of sick children at Burswood today ahead of his Perth show.

Hogan also presented the Make-A-Wish Foundation with a $5000 donation on behalf of Burswood.

Wrestling fanatics Jamie McDermott, 9, and Jesse Harp, 6, were overcome with emotion when the 200cm-tall wrestling icon fulfilled their wishes.

Jamie has a rare neurological disorder and Jesse is battling cancer. Both will attend “Hulkamania” at Burswood Dome tomorrow night as special guests.

Leslie Yungabun, another Make-A-Wish member and “Hulkamaniac”, flew in from Fitzroy Crossing in the state’s north just for the event.

Hogan described the Make-A-Wish children as “awesome”.

“Sometimes I will be tired from the road or tired from all the travelling, but whenever I get around those kids they give me the energy,” he said.

“These kids want to see me get in the ring. It doesn’t matter if I’m 100-years-old, the kids want to come and see me tear the shirt and wrestle around and have a good time.

“It’s just amazing to see these kids and realise this is the priority.”

Hogan will go head-to-head with old nemesis Ric Flair in tomorrow’s showdown, which will also feature wrestling favourites The Nasty Boys and Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake.

Hogan’s Australian tour started in extraordinary fashion last week when he was caught up in a brawl with Flair at a Sydney media conference, which left the 56-year-old dazed and bloodied.

Hogan said tomorrow night’s clash with Flair in Perth would be payback.

“I need Ric to realise you can’t go around cheap-shotting people like that,” he said.

“I’d love to get him in a compromising position.”

Hogan and Flair have verbally agreed to throw the rule book out the window for the event.

“Ric Flair’s always about the lowest common denominator and always taking the cheap shots,” Hogan said.

“I told him on radio today, as far as Perth goes, let’s go by your rules.

“I know we’re going to be fighting in the building, but we (might) role out into the street and crash through your living room at home.”

It is first time Hogan has brought his show to Australia.

Burswood’s water fountain in the InterContinental lobby is named the “Make-A-Wish Fountain” and has collected over $85,000 in loose change since 1998. (Credit: News Limited / Perth Now)

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Mission Australia to buy ABC centres - The Sydney Morning Herald - 9th December 2009

UPDATE The bank-appointed receivers of ABC Learning have confirmed that the not-for-profit syndicate led by Mission Australia has been selected as the preferred buyer for most of the 705 childcare centres remaining under ABC’s control. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)

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Saturday, November 21, 2009

Survivor Series Food Drive & Autograph Signing THIS Sunday - 20th November 2009

Donate To The WWE Survivor Series Food Drive

World Wrestling Entertainment, Verizon Center and the Capitol Food Bank are providing the opportunity for you, your family and friends to donate non-perishable food items for distribution to those less fortunate in the Washington, D.C. area during the Thanksgiving holiday

Bring your non-perishable food item(s) to Survivor Series on Sunday, November 22nd, drop them off at the Verizon Center lobby as you enter and get a free WWE bookmark while supplies last.

For those who come early, WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston and WWE Diva Eve will be at the Verizon Center between 12 noon and 2PM to sign autographs for those fans who make food donations.*

Go to wwe.com for more information.

*Limited to the first 300 attendees in line who donate a non-perishable food item.
One autograph per person. Talent subject to change. (Credit: WWE)

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Sunday, November 15, 2009

Bondi kicks off Skin Cancer Action Week - 15th November 2009

A mock crime scene was set up at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday to warn of the dangers of tanning.

Sunbathers at the iconic beach were greeted by 1,700 beach towels arranged on the sand, each emblazoned with a chalk outline.

The Cancer Council says every towel represents one of the 1,700 Australians who die of skin cancer every year.

A survey from the council suggests that 43 per cent of teenagers believe a tan looks healthy while one in four get burnt on a typical weekend in summer.

Seventy-one per cent of survey respondents said their friends thought "a suntan was a good thing".

More than a third of young people don't wear sunscreen in the hottest part of the day, the survey found.

A television advertising campaign will begin this week, aimed at changing the attitudes of young people.

Cancer Council CEO Ian Olver said radical measures were needed to warn of the risks of melanoma.

"More needs to be done to educate younger Australians about the dangers of getting sunburnt," Professor Olver said.

"We hope this campaign will help get the message to sink in that a tan just isn't worth the risk."

Melanoma is the second most common cancer in 15-19 year olds, and the most common cancer in people aged 20-29, the council's figures show.

Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70.

Skin Cancer Action Week runs from November 15 to 21. (Credit: Fairfax, Wires, Google News, AAP)

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Thursday, November 12, 2009

ACTA welcomes allocation of digital spectrum for Community TV

4th November 2009

The Australian Community Television Alliance (ACTA) today welcomed the Federal Government's decision to allocate digital spectrum for Community Television.

ACTA was formed primarily to coordinate the sector's representations to Government and in particular to secure digital spectrum and funding support during the digital/analogue simulcast period that concludes at the end of 2013. Since the introduction of digital broadcasting to Australia in 2001 Community Television channels have been the only ones not available via digital set-top boxes.

The lack of digital spectrum has severely hampered audience growth for Community Television and in recent times has seen audience numbers in most cities begin to fall significantly. "As Community TV relies on sponsorship revenue to fund station operations, and sponsors want to know that people are watching, urgent action was required," ACTA Secretary Laurie Patton said.

"Today's announcement from Senator Conroy proves that ACTA's campaign has worked," Mr Patton added. "The Government clearly understood that without a digital pathway Community Television was destined for broadcasting oblivion".

ACTA is pleased that the Government has accepted its arguments in favour of Community Television and its potential to play an important role in a developing digital multichannel world.

"Community TV stations provide a unique platform for the expression of the views and interests of a wide range of community groups and individuals that would otherwise go unheard. In addition to providing an outlet for local viewpoints and diverse opinions Community Television acts as a training ground for new entrants to the broadcast industry," Mr Patton concluded.

For information about the Community TV station in your capital city go to:

Adelaide www.c31.com.au

Brisbane www.qctv.com.au

Melbourne www.c31.org.au

Perth www.ctvperth.com.au

Sydney www.tvs.tv

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Sunday, November 08, 2009

Hulk Hogan a 'Mo' Mentor - 7th November 2009

Hulk Hogan, one of the biggest names in professional wrestling, has been appointed an official "Mo" Mentor for this year's Movember.

The moustache-growing charity event is held each November to raise funds for and awareness of men's health.

"To all my Hulkamaniacs, say your prayers, take your vitamins and grow a moustache for Movember this year," Hogan said.

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Saturday, November 07, 2009

Virgin's Branson may bid for Camelot lottery - 7th November 2009

Sir Richard Branson hopes as deadline nears for Camelot lottery sale

The owners of Camelot, the National Lottery operator, have given potential bidders for the business about two weeks to table their opening offers.

The auction could result in Sir Richard Branson, who lost out in his bid to operate the National Lottery several times, taking over the company. Other potential bidders include private equity houses and overseas lottery operators.

In April, four of Camelot’s five shareholders — Thales, Fujitsu, Cadbury and De La Rue — appointed Greenhill and NM Rothschild, the investment banks, to sell their stakes in the business.

A fifth shareholder, Royal Mail, is not part of the sale process, at present, but it could decide at the end of the auction to sell its stake to a winning bidder.

All five shareholders own equal 20 per cent stakes in Camelot.

It is believed that Sir Richard, head of the Virgin Group, has sounded out leading charities since the summer to discuss whether they would team up with him to make a bid.

Camelot makes an annual profit of about £30 million. The sale of 80 per cent of the business could fetch as much as £250 million.

It is thought that the valuation reflects the long-term value of the profits available, with insiders having dismissed as unrealistic talk that the lottery franchise could be worth as much as £350 million.

Apart from Sir Richard, other bidders linked with the auction include Sugal & Damani, the Indian lottery giant that bid for the UK lottery licence two years ago.

Cadbury, the confectionery group, and Thales, the French defence and electronics company, are thought to be most aggressively seeking a sale. Cadbury is the subject of a £10.2 billion takeover bid by Kraft, the American food group.

Camelot has long stuck to the once-controversial principle that it is a profit-seeking operator. It has fought off two challenges in the past from non-profit bids fronted by Sir Richard’s People’s Lottery.

Tensions around whether the operator makes money have eased in recent years, with Sir Richard refusing to participate in the third licence round.

Eighty per cent of Camelot’s income over ten years is believed to be worth about £280 million. Buyers are likely to offer less than that amount to ensure that they leave a profit for themselves.

The possibility of operators receiving extra cash derives from any value placed on the possibility that the lottery franchise could be extended for another five years.

As part of their bid for the licence, the shareholders agreed with the National Lottery Commission to cut costs from 5 per cent of turnover to 4 per cent and reduce profits from 0.5 per cent to between 0.3 and 0.4 per cent. This agreement was introduced the last time that the operator’s licence was renewed in August 2007.

Lottery ticket and scratchcard sales have risen, despite the recession. Any buyer would have to be approved by the commission.

The Government is thought to be monitoring the situation particularly closely because of Camelot’s promise that it will provide £2.2 billion for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

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Friday, November 06, 2009

Countdown To Mike Sexton Hall Of Fame Induction - Celebration Freeroll Is Already A Sell Out

Gibraltar – November 5th 2009 – The countdown is on to PartyPoker.com ambassador Mike Sexton’s induction into Poker’s Hall of Fame on Saturday evening during the dinner break at the 2009 WSOP Main Event Final table. PartyPoker.com is holding a special celebratory $10,000 freeroll to mark the occasion at 21.00 CET (15.00 EST) that day and 8000 have reserved seats for the special tournament which was at capacity one hour after appearing in the lobby!

A PartyPoker.com spokesman said: “Everybody loves a freeroll and we received so many questions about when the one for Mike would take place and all spaces were filled within an hour! It was a case of first come, first served for this celebration.”

Mike will be introduced at a dinner held in his honour on Saturday night by his brother Tom Sexton.

Sexton needs little introduction and is unarguably one of the most respected figures in the game. As the face and voice of the World Poker Tour and holder of a WSOP bracelet, Mike is truly one of the games pioneers. Sexton is in the top ten for the most cashes at the World Series of Poker and is instantly recognizable to all poker enthusiasts. Regarded as ‘The Ambassador of Poker,’ for years Mike advocated corporate involvement with poker to take the game he loves into the mainstream. Notably, Sexton also won the first $10k buy-in NL hold'em championship event at Foxwoods World Poker Finals in 1992 and in 2000 was the first American to win the championship event at the Euro Finals of Poker in Paris, which at the time was the biggest event in Europe. Through his role with the World Poker Tour Mike brought the game to millions around the world. In 2006 Sexton won the Tournament of Champions at the World Series of Poker, a concept he had originally created. He donated $500,000 of his winnings to charity and has since become a co-founder of PokerGives.org, which encourages players to make charitable donations.

The Poker Hall of Fame was established in 1979. Its membership includes poker's most influential players and other important contributors to the game. There are 16 living members, and to date 37 members have been bestowed the honour of entry. The WSOP Hall of Fame traditionally elects one or two new members annually. The enshrinement ceremony is now held during the final table of the Main Event of the WSOP. The criteria for selection was as follows:

A player must have played poker against acknowledged top competition
Played for high stakes
Played consistently well, gaining the respect of peers
Stood the test of time
Or, for non-players, contributed to the overall growth and success of the game of poker, with indelible positive and lasting results

World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”®, WSOPE”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.

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Thursday, November 05, 2009

Dave Rastovich and crew, Surfers for Cetaceans, Sea Shepherd, eco warriors and community unite - 5th November 2009

David Rastovich and crew, Surfers for Cetaceans, Sea Shepherd, eco warriors and community unite - 5th November 2009

Media Man was on hand this morning to witness the exciting and historic arrival of team Transparent Sea Voyage: Dave Rastovich and Surfers for Cetaceans, who have paddled down the NSW coast on a 700km journey.

Rastovich, world class surfer and famed environmentalist, was joined on the epic adventure by JJ (photographer), Hilton Doar and Chris Del Moro (surfer and artist).

A swag of fans, supporters and media was present to welcome the team, despite the overcast weather.

Doar encouraged concerned citizens to write to local members of Parliament, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and environmental minister, Peter Carrett.

Doar said "It was amazing to share the journey with like minded people. We're all inter connected. Australian people love the whales and dolphins. The Australian Government needs to send ships and help. Sea Shepherd is keeping the pressure one as whaling and fishing vessels are frequently Australian waters illegally. People need to help".

Further news reports on Channel Nine, Network Ten and others tonight.

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700 km paddle by Dave Rastovich

Rastovich touched in at Bondi Beach shore 11.15am

36 day journey

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Sunday, October 25, 2009

Herald staff win UN awards - 24th October 2009

Journalists on the Herald have dominated all major print categories for the United Nations Association of Australia Media Peace Awards. Nick O'Malley, Heath Gilmore, Erik Jensen and Josephine Tovey's ''Foreign students exploited as slaves'' was judged the best news print report.

Glenda Kwek's feature ''Grim life of outcast children'' won its category, while Kate Geraghty's series of work, ''Sexual warfare in the Democratic Republic of Congo'', was judged the best photojournalism. (Credit: Fairfax)

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Friday, October 16, 2009

Virgin Money expands into online charity fundraising

15th October 2009

Virgin Money has launched its not-for-profit online charity fund-raising service as part of a drive to significantly increase the money going directly to good causes.

Its new service virginmoneygiving.com, which is already backed by hundreds of major charities, has officially opened to all fundraisers for all charity events across the country.

Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Chief Executive of Virgin Money said: "At a time when trust in financial services is at an all time low it is time to embed social responsibility at the heart of what we do. I believe a well run business is one that treats its staff, customers, partners and suppliers well and uses some of its profits to make a valuable contribution to society. The launch of Virgin Money Giving is part of that developing picture at Virgin Money."

"Virgin Money is using its infrastructure and expertise as a financial services business to ensure that the new service is efficient, secure and offers a high quality service to all fundraisers, charities and donors. With over £¼ billion forecast to be raised for charity by London Marathon runners in the 5 years that Virgin sponsors the race this is clearly critically important."

Gadhia added: "As a not-for-profit business, charities and donors can be confident Virgin Money Giving has the right balance between charging the lowest fees possible while investing in the high-tech systems that will ensure the service's security and stability when processing donations".

Virgin Money has invested over £3million in the launch and used its experience as a financial services business to ensure the hi-tech system is fully compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security (PCI-DS) standards - ensuring card payments are processed as securely as possible is fully compliant with the Payment Services Regulations that will be introduced by the Financial Services Authority on 1 November offers charities a state-of-the-art reporting tool to help charities maximise the efficiency of their online fundraising efforts.

Research by Virgin Money among charities and fundraisers shows online giving is potentially more efficient than traditional sponsorship forms and collection tins and can increase the use of Gift Aid. However charities, who already receive around £100 million through online giving a year, wanted to see increased reliability and functionality from online giving services - and crucially, lower costs.

virginmoneygiving.com, which is free for fundraisers, charges a flat £100 + VAT registration fee for charities and a 2% fee on all donations before Gift Aid which means for every £10 donation charities will receive £12.46.

Commenting on the launch, Scott Jacobson, Director of Marketing & Fundraising at St John Ambulance said: "Online giving websites have revolutionised the way people fundraise. They make it much easier for fundraisers, like marathon runners, to collect donations from friends, family and colleagues. Virgin Money Giving has gone the extra mile by being not-for-profit, meaning that charities take home more of the funds raised, helping us move closer to our charitable aims."

Toni Fry, National Running and Challenge Events Manager at CLIC Sargent said: "The new Virgin Money Giving site is a fast, easy and clever way to raise money. CLIC Sargent depends almost entirely on voluntary donations from the public and with the help of virginmoneygiving.com more money will be going directly to help the children and families who need us."

Virgin Money Giving charges charities the minimum fees needed to cover the running costs of the site. Any money left over after covering operating costs will go towards reducing fees further or improving services for fundraisers and charities.

Charities have been able to register on the site since August 25th.

Fundraisers can personalise their pages, send out email alerts and manage the different events they might be taking part in. Users will be able to include their own content, photos and links to their page and will be able to customise messages for their supporters. Fundraisers will also be able to link their page to social networking sites.

virginmoneygiving.com is the official sponsorship website of the Virgin London Marathon, Royal Parks Half Marathon and Sony ‘Run to the Beat'.

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*Media Man Australia founder and director, Greg Tingle, is a member of Virgin Unite

*Media Man Australia does not represent Sir Richard Branson

*Media Man Australia does conduct some b2b business with a number of arms of Virgin Enterprises Limited, the details of which are commercially sensitive in nature

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Variety - The Childrens Charity Garden Party Event

Join us in the garden for the 2009 Brisbane BMW and Westside BMW

Variety Garden party

Join us in the beautiful garden at Old Government House for an afternoon of fine wines, extraordinary food and cool entertainment to raise funds for Variety – the children’s charity.

Date: Saturday 14th November 2009

Time: 2pm – 6pm

Entertainment: MC Bill McDonald - Channel 10 & Music by the new pop-princess Sally Singleton and dance band Savvy, and Food from renowned restaurants Jellyfish and Cha Cha Char, accompanied by great wines, sparkling and designer beer

Venue: Old Government House Gardens Point Campus QUT (river end of George St)

Dress: Garden Party Fashion

Tickets: $130 (GST Inclusive)

RSVP: Phone 3367 6999 or email events@varietyqld.org.au

Auction, raffle tickets for sale - fabulous prizes on offer!

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Thursday, September 17, 2009

Bright-On Target-Virgin Games Set to Raise 10k for Charity

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, Sep 07 - On Saturday 18th September, the team at Virgin Games will be putting on their best red cycling shorts and embarking on a charity bike ride from London to Brighton. Setting off from the company's HQ in Hammersmith, the team of 40 employees will be braving the 84 kilometres with the aim of raising a target of Pounds Sterling 10,000 for their chosen Virgin Unite charity, Kids Company. Founded by Camilla Batmanghelidjh in 1996 in order to provide practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city children and young people, Kids Company are supported by Virgin Unite who pledged to raise 2.5 million by April 2010. As part of the Virgin Group, the London to Brighton charity bike ride is part of Virgin Games contribution to this goal.

Regularly offering their time and support to Kids Company, previous activities have included the Virgin Games team pulling together to redecorate an East London School and most recently arranging a sports day for children in Hackney. This year, the team of mixed cycling abilities will set off together at 8am and hope to reach their final destination of Brighton beach by 4 pm having raised Pounds Sterling 10,000 with all
stragglers accounted for! Keen cyclist Warren Eloff, Product Manager, who regularly cycles into work is tipped to lead the pack and CEO, Simon Burridge who is sitting on the saddle for the first time in 20 years, is set to surprise his team with his 'dusted down' cycling skills!

Simon Burridge, CEO at Virgin Games and Virgin Unite trustee comments: "At Virgin Games we are passionate about Virgin Unite and the work that Kids Company carry out in the communities they work with. We believe Kids Company are a great charity and realise our support is all the more important now, with the current economic climate making it harder for them to achieve the funding they need to keep up the great work they are doing with young people all over the capital. I can't think of more deserving charity to be brushing the cobwebs off my cycling shorts for!"

Visit http://www.virginunite.com/fundraiser/Virgin-Games-go-to-Brighton to make a donation and support the Virgin Games team.

About Virgin Games

Virgin Games was launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:

- Virgin Casino, part of the Wagerworks network, brings consumers casino games like blackjack and roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Cluedo, Dungeons and Dragons Fortress of Fortunes(TM) and the highly popular Mega Jackpots progressive games, with a seeding value of Pounds Sterling 1,500,000

- Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry

- Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo games and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.

(Credit: Wires, Virgin Unite, Google News, Virgin Games)

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Sunday, August 09, 2009

Runners limber up for City2Surf event - 9th August 2009

Up to 75,000 runners will be limbering up for Sydney's 39th City2Surf race this morning.

Heather Turland, who won the event in 1994 and 1996, is putting in a star appearance almost a decade after retiring from competitive running.

She will be joined by her 21-year-old son Cade.

Other high-calibre runners include Andrew Lloyd, winner of the City2Surf in 1983, 1984, 1986 and 1993.

Queenslander Michael Shelly, who finished just 13 seconds behind Martin Dent last year, is determined to crack the 2008 winner's 41:07 this time round.

While former world champion marathon man Robert de Castella will not be joining in, his humble brother-in-law Anthony Walsh, 49, will.

Describing himself as "not a particularly competitive runner", Mr Walsh, who lives in Melbourne, has no intention of emulating de Castella's 1981 City2Surf-winning time of 45.47.

"I'm expecting to do about 65 minutes," he said.

The Ambulance Service of NSW says runners should wear sensible clothing and footwear for the race, including a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Dehydration can be avoided by drinking plenty of water.

Symptoms such as chest pain or severe shortness of breath should not be ignored – if they occur, entrants should stop and seek medical attention.

Anyone with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, chills, a sore throat or cough, should not enter the race.

The RTA advises runners to leave their cars at home. Roads will be closed in the Sydney CBD, Darlinghurst, Kings Cross, Edgecliff, Bellevue Hill, Rose Bay, Double Bay, Vaucluse and Bondi.

The Eastern Distributor northbound off-ramp to William Street and southbound off-ramp to Palmer Street will also be closed.

The Cross City Tunnel will be closed to eastbound traffic between Harbour Street and Bayswater Road, but will remain open to westbound motorists during the event.

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

UWS and TVS give a new 'Angle' on the news - Blacktown Sun - 23rd June 2009

Talented students from the University of Western Sydney have combined their creative energies to produce an innovative new television current affairs program to be aired on Sydney's own free-to-air community channel, TVS.

'Angle', is a weekly news magazine program which premiered earlier this month.

It has been produced primarily by fourth-year students from the UWS School of Communication Arts who have specialised in journalism, media production, public relations and advertising. They also collaborated with student volunteers from across the University.

Professor Lynette Sheridan Burns, Head of the UWS School of Communication Arts, says 'Angle' offers a fresh approach to news and current affairs.

"Angle gives the people of Greater Western Sydney an opportunity to tell their own stories and provide insights into the culture, environment, sports and health of their region," says Professor Sheridan Burns.

"'The program is an example of how the University of Western Sydney is 'Bringing Knowledge to Life'. It provides students with a unique opportunity to put their skills into practice and create a body of high-quality television work that is informative and will resonate with the diverse communities of Sydney."

"And because Angle has been created by young people, it brings an important youth perspective on today's most pertinent issues."

TVS Chief Executive Laurie Patton says 'Angle' adds another dimension to the Community Television channel.

"'Angle' provides a fresh insight into life in Greater Western Sydney courtesy of the UWS students who have made the program for us," says Mr Patton.

"Angle is a great example of how Community Television provides an outlet for ideas and information that might otherwise never be seen on TV."

A wide range of experts feature in each episode of 'Angle'. Highlights include interviews with Jack Thompson on the topic of arts in western Sydney; Professor Ien Ang on multicultural societies; Betty Green on domestic violence; and Professor Bill Bellotti on the future of food and farming.

The entire nine episode series, which features a total of 53 individual segments, was filmed at the state-of-the-art media studios located at the UWS Werrington South campus.

All studio positions, including presenter, director, camera operator, sound technician and floor manager, were staffed by UWS students. Recent graduates and community organisations such as ICE (Information and Cultural Exchange in Parramatta) were also involved during the filming of the program.

Students from the UWS School of Communication Arts are enrolled in a wide range of disciplines, including graphic design, journalism, photography, media production, performance, music recording and performance, animation, advertising and web design.

This wide range of disciplines enabled UWS students to fill all technical roles, including researching, filming, and editing the stories. UWS students created all of the program's intros, graphics, music, and promotional advertisements.

'Angle' screens each Tuesday at 8:30pm, and is repeated on Wednesday at 2:00pm, and Monday at 11:30 pm.

For more information about TVS, supported by UWS, see link below. (Credit: Blacktown Sun)

Source: http://www.tvs.tv

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Monday, July 20, 2009

Dear Prime Minister - Community Plea on Digital TV

19th July 2009

TVS viewers have appealed to the Prime Minister via video asking for support for the inclusion of Community TV on digital television.

The on-screen appeal was masterminded by Joy Hruby OAM, the host and producer of Joy's World - one of TVS's longest running programs. Twenty-two loyal viewers recorded their pleas in a series of 'vox pops' that were sent to the Prime Minister on DVD.

"All the other channels have been given digital spectrum except ours", said Joy Hruby. "We just want TVS to be given the same opportunity as the others".

The Federal Government recently embarked on a campaign to encourage Australian households to switch to digital television. "Yet, while all the other free-to-air stations are broadcasting in both analogue and digital Community Television remains marooned on analogue," said TVS Chief Executive Laurie Patton.

With its predominantly local content Community TV offers a vital source of programs that encourage and support Australian culture, ideas and interests. After just over three years on air forty percent of the programs screened on TVS are produced by community groups and individuals based in Sydney.

Each year Community TV provides a valuable training ground for hundreds of young Australians wanting careers in television and a platform for innovative new programs and emerging talent. People like Rove McManus, Corrine Grant and Hamish and Andy proudly acknowledge their start came on Community TV.

Despite Government assurances that Community Television will not be left behind as Australians are urged to switch to digital the Community stations are still waiting for the allocation of desperately needed digital spectrum.

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Dear Prime Minister - Community Plea on Digital TV

TVS viewers have appealed to the Prime Minister via video asking for support for the inclusion of Community TV on digital television.

The on-screen appeal was masterminded by Joy Hruby OAM, the host and producer of Joy's World - one of TVS's longest running programs. Twenty-two loyal viewers recorded their pleas in a series of 'vox pops' that were sent to the Prime Minister on DVD. Starting today, these community pleas will be screened on TVS throughout the day in an effort to gain added public support for the channel.

"All the other channels have been given digital spectrum except ours", said Joy Hruby. "We just want TVS to be given the same opportunity as the others".

The Federal Government recently embarked on a campaign to encourage Australian households to switch to digital television. "Yet, while all the other free-to-air stations are broadcasting in both analogue and digital Community Television remains marooned on analogue," said TVS Chief Executive Laurie Patton.

"Every time another household does as the Government asks and buys a new digital TV or a digital set top box they potentially lose the ability to watch their Community channel".

With its predominantly local content Community TV offers a vital source of programs that encourage and support Australian culture, ideas and interests. After just over three years on air forty percent of the programs screened on TVS are produced by community groups and individuals based in Sydney.

Each year Community TV provides a valuable training ground for hundreds of young Australians wanting careers in television and a platform for innovative new programs and emerging talent. People like Rove McManus, Corrine Grant and Hamish and Andy proudly acknowledge their start came on Community TV.

"The availability of high quality low cost digital recording and editing equipment means that local community based groups and individuals are able to create their own programs. All they need is an outlet and this is what Community TV is all about," Mr Patton added.

Despite Government assurances that Community Television will not be left behind as Australians are urged to switch to digital the Community stations are still waiting for the allocation of desperately needed digital spectrum.

"CTV programming is targeted at audience groups that are under-served by the other free-to-air channels. The sector provides access for special interest groups, multicultural communities and social networks that are not well catered for by the mainstream media," Mr Patton said.

LAURIE PATTON
Chief Executive
Television Sydney (TVS) Limited
Tel: (02) 9852-5000
Fax: (02) 9852-5050

TVS is Sydney's new free TV channel. For more information visit www.tvs.tv

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Sunday, July 05, 2009

Sydney Christmas Parade

Event

Sydney Christmas Parade

When: 29th November 2009

Contact: Anthony Mead

t: (02) 9358 3322
a: Suite 1 Section B, 6 Cowper Wharf Road WOOLLOOMOOLOO NSW 2011
e: anthony@sydneychristmasparade.com
w: Sydney Christmas Parade Trust

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Khalifa Foundation agrees education and health partnership with Virgin Unite

2nd July 2009

An Abu Dhabi charitable foundation and the non profit arm of the Virgin Group have agreed a deal to work together on education and health initiatives in the United Arab Emirates.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's deputy prime minister and chairman of the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sir Richard Branson in Abu Dhabi to start the partnership.

The two foundations will work together to develop education initiatives to help create thousands of job opportunities for young people in poverty.

The sheik said: “The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is determined to improve the lives of people all over the world and has already contributed significant funds through the Khalifa Foundation. We are delighted to be announcing this partnership with Richard Branson and Virgin Unite who share our passion for creating opportunities to help people lift themselves out of poverty.”

Sir Richard said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with the UAE through the bin Zayed Al Nahyan Khalifa Foundation, who do brilliant work in helping to alleviate poverty and suffering all over the world.

"The two foundations will form a great team to work closely with people and organisations on the frontline to create entrepreneurial approaches to ending poverty.”

Both organisations are experienced in creating education opportunities.
The Khalifa Foundation is active in 35 countries outside the UAE and has given more than 30,000 students financial help with tuition fees, meals, stationary and clothing. It is planning to launch a number of new initiatives in vocational education.

Virgin Unite works all over the world to bring people together to tackle tough environmental and social issues in an entrepreneurial way. This includes helping to launch global initiatives such as the Elders and frontline projects including health clinics in Africa.

The Branson School of Entrepreneurship was launched in in Johannesburg, South Africa, three years ago and has since trained thousands of young people and helped fund their small businesses. The school is in the process of expanding into Kenya and several other countries.

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Khalifa Bin Zayed Foundation, Virgin Unite ink cooperation agreement

2nd June 2009

The Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charity Foundation has today agreed with Virgin Unite, the non profit foundation of the Virgin Group, to jointly work on education and health initiatives.

H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Board Chairman of Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, and Sir Richard Branson signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Abu Dhabi to commence the partnership.

H.H. Sheikh Mansour, said: "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is determined to improve the lives of people all over the world and has already contributed significant funds through the Khalifa Foundation. We are delighted to be announcing this partnership with Richard Branson and Virgin Unite who share our passion for creating opportunities to help people lift themselves out of poverty." Sir Richard Branson said, "We are very pleased to be partnering with the UAE through the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charity Foundation, who do brilliant work in helping to alleviate poverty and suffering all over the world. The two foundations will form a great team to work closely with people and organisations on the frontline to create entrepreneurial approaches to ending poverty." The partnership will focus initially on education initiatives to help create job opportunities for young people. Both organisations have a wealth of experience in creating education opportunities.

The Khalifa Foundation has successfully achieved a qualitative movement in its humanitarian and charitable activities through its local and foreign projects. The foundation activities have covered all the state '&' more than (35) countries around the globe.

Locally it supported more than 30.000 thirty thousand students in their tuition fees, meals, stationary, clothes shoes '&' other needs. Regionally, it is planning to launch a number of initiatives in vocational education in selected countries.

Virgin Unite works all over the world to bring people together to tackle tough environmental and social issues in an entrepreneurial way. This includes helping to incubate and launch global initiatives such as the Elders and frontline projects such as health clinics in Africa.

In the area of education, Virgin Unite launched the Branson School of Entrepreneurship in Johannesburg, South Africa, three years ago and has since trained thousands of young people and helped to incubate and fund their small businesses. The Branson School of Entrepreneurship is in the process of expanding into Kenya and several other countries.

The two foundations will work closely together in the coming months to build a strategic plan and conduct due diligence for relevant educational initiatives with local and international partners. These joint initiatives will help create thousands of jobs and provide young people in poverty a chance for true economic freedom.

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Parkinson's NSW Benefit Event

When: 22nd August 2009
Where: Halekulani Bowling Club
Telephone: 02 4393 9221
Contact: Vicki Mahoney

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Glam Event Birthday and Supporting Victor Chang Institute

Stella Drakos Birthday

Supporting

Victor Chang Institute

Duos Mediterranean Bar
Wednesday 15th July 2009
6.30pm
m: 0422 290 952

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James Packer guest of honour at Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute fundraiser - The Daily Telegraph - 4th July 2009

Wearing his heart on his sleeve James Packer is to raise his philanthropic profile by making a rare public speech as guest of honour at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute fundraiser next month.

His late father, Kerry Packer, was a past patron and mother Ros is a current board member of the high-profile heart disease research institute.

While Packer Snr made it a personal mission to raise money for causes he and Ros supported - especially the Chang institute - this will be the first time that James has stepped into such an active role.

The billionaire has maintained a low profile of late as he has focused on expanding his Crown gambling empire in Macau.

James will attend the charity do on August 1 with wife Erica. (Credit: The Daily Telegraph)

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Friday, June 19, 2009

The bosses bed down rough to raise money, by Josephine Tovey - The Sydney Morning Herald - 19th June 2009

It was a cold, wet dose of reality.

As the skies opened above them last night, more than 220 chief executives and business leaders huddled together at the St Vincent de Paul Society's CEO Sleepout at Luna Park.

By 7 o'clock the mostly male participants had arrived to vie for dry spots armed only with sleeping bags and cardboard sheets.

Brian McCarthy, the chief executive of Fairfax Media, which publishes the Herald, and the Fairfax publisher Lloyd Whish-Wilson found a dry patch under an awning. The NSW Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, scored a prime piece of real estate in the dodgem car pitch.

St Vincent de Paul's community development co-ordinator, David Starr, said the search for a dry spot mirrored what the city's homeless would be doing. "Some would be in hostels but a lot would be sleeping anywhere they could find, alcoves and doorways, just to get out of the rain."

The entrepreneur Dick Smith, who raised $11,669.78 in donations, wanted to experience homelessness rather than simply writing a cheque. "Giving money, especially if you're well-off, doesn't hurt very much, but tonight is going to be hard … I've been very fortunate in life, and any time I've slept outside it has been voluntary."

By early yesterday evening about 12 millimetres of rain had fallen on the city and the downpour was expected to continue throughout the night.

By yesterday the event had raised $461,663, well in excess of the $250,000 organisers predicted last month. The money will go towards 37 homeless shelters, including a new purpose-built shelter for families and women, due to open later this year.

The chief executive of St Vincent de Paul, John Picot, said the economic downturn might have inspired the high number of participants this year. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)

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CEOs brave long wet night for good cause - 18th June 2009

As Dick Smith bedded down at Sydney's Luna Park to experience what it's like to be homeless on a wet wintery night, he recalled a dismal experience more than 40 years ago that gave him the confidence to start Dick Smith Electronics.

Joined by the likes of Fairfax Media's Brian McCarthy, the NRMA's Tony Stuart, and DMG Radio's Cathy O'Connor, more than 200 company heads braved a steady downpour on Thursday night to take part in St Vincent De Paul Society's annual CEO sleepout.

Mr Smith chose a damp spot at an outdoor eating area near Luna Park's Coney Island to prepare his bed for the night - a mere sheet of cardboard beneath a rain-soaked tarpaulin.

"It's a bit wet," he admitted.

Describing his sleeping bag as "just a normal one", he said he wasn't worried about the cold, and had no intention of seeking warmer conditions in a close-by building throughout the night.

"The whole idea of this is to get an idea of what it is like to not have a nice warm house to go back to," he told AAP.

"Donating money is easy for CEOs. Most CEOS are well off.

"The idea of this is to experience how 22,000 people live each night of the year."

When he was 22-years-old, Mr Smith said, a night out in the cold taught him a lot about taking risks.

Accompanied by Paddy Pallin founder Bob Pallin and a third man, the trio got lost while on a bush walk in the Blue Mountains.

"The walk was three days long and in the roughest country. It was very cold. You could never do (the walk) in the rain," Mr Smith said.

However, there was an unexpected storm.

"We had to swim in the Colo river and we couldn't get through to where we were going to get picked up.

"We had to lie down in sopping wet sleeping bags.

"I thought we were going to die."

He says he believes the experience taught him an invaluable lesson.

"Taking that risk taught me to be responsible.

"That's how I could start my business and not go broke.

"Young people have to take risks and learn their boundaries."

Bedding down near Mr Smith was NRMA CEO Tony Stuart. Decked in cute pyjamas stamped with the NRMA emblem, Mr Stuart took a call from his 11-year-old son before he prepared for the long night ahead of him.

"He's concerned for me," he said.

Fairfax Media's Brian McCarthy defied his doctor's orders to take part in the CEO sleepout.

Two weeks ago he caught a cold.

"I feel very happy, it's for a good cause," he said of the sleepout.

"For us it's just one night. For people who are genuinely homeless, they have to do it every night."

DMG Radio CEO Cathy O'Connor said she wasn't concerned she was unlikely to get a good night's sleep.

"It's just one night of your life for a good cause," she said.

"I'm not one of those people who selfishly guards sleep.

"If I have a bad night it won't be the first."

AAP's Clive Marshall, who hails from the United Kingdom, was not bothered by the rain, but was realistic about what lay ahead of him.

"It's likely to be a long night," he agreed.

This year's sleepout has so far raised more than $500,000 - double what organisers originally anticipated.

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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Media Man Australia Director Joins and Presents at Bondi Chamber of Commerce

Today Media Man Australia director and founder, Greg Tingle, joined and presented at the Bondi Chamber of Commerce monthly event held at Easts Leagues Club.

Following the feature presentation by Matt Freedman (founder and director of Sticky Tickets and Redback Solutions), Adam Treharne from the chamber board spoke about business and the benefits of the Bondi Chamber of Commerce.

Sandra Lie from Infusion Networking moderated prize give aways from members to members!

Sonja van den Boshe from TwinLife was the lucky winner of the Media Man Australia publicity package including interview and profile.

It was a most worthwhile, interesting and positive occasion, and attendees learned and shared their knowledge on matters such as Emarketing, the internet, and couldn't help but to pick up some solid information about the how news media and publicity compliment the marketing components of business.

In the coming weeks and months the Bondi Chamber of Commerce will be facilitating more networking events and feature the matching up of business owners and operators in a strategic fashion which will set the stage for win - win outcomes for all.

Mr Fredeman will be participating in the CEO Sleepout at Luna Park on the 18th June. The event is organised by St Vincent de Paul Society. Matt's efforts are well worth supporting, as are that of the numerous CEO's who will be participating.

Easts Leagues Club staff and management were most friendly and helpful, and the coffee and breakfasts were top notch.

If your a business person in the Bondi region the Bondi Chamber of Commerce is a fantastic place to network with fellow entrepreneurs.

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Redback Solutions

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Infusion Networking

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Monday, June 15, 2009

Leading Media Companies Put $1 Million Of Advertising Up For Grabs

In times when money is tight, the first of the corporate budget to feel the brunt of belt-tightening is advertising and corporate philanthropy - but there is one industry and event that plans to buck this trend.

Media Assisting Youth will auction $1 million worth of advertising packages at their annual MAYDAY event, with the intention to exceed last year’s efforts and raise over $700,000 for four youth focused charities.

MAYDAY will be hosted by MC, auctioneer, all-round funny guy and Gruen Transfer host, Wil Anderson, at one of The Merivale Group's finest venues, Hemmesphere, on Wednesday 27 May from 6.30pm.

MAYDAY's commitment is to rally the media and advertising industry to support innovative and effective organisations that work with disadvantaged and under-privileged young people in the community, Kerry McCabe, MAYDAY founder said.

The four chosen beneficiaries for this year's MAYDAY event are Youth Off The Streets - Aboriginal Support Services, Musicians Making A Difference, KidsXpress and Newpin, he said.

Even in a tough economic climate, MAYDAY provides a distinctive and sustainable fundraising vehicle to help those who are really in trouble.

This industry has the character and empathy to maintain it's commitment to those in need - a clear demonstration of this was the hugely successful Victorian Bushfires Telethon, hosted on the Nine Network, Mr McCabe said.

MAYDAY operates from a nil cost base with 100 per cent of all proceeds going directly to the selected youth charities. The MAYDAY board and sponsors donate their time and expertise to the cause, supported by their respective corporate entities.

MAYDAY's inaugural event in 2007 generated $300,000, with more than $700,000 raised last year following unprecedented support from media owners, media buying agencies and advertisers. Additional MAYDAY activities throughout the year generate in excess of $2,000,000pa of media, cause related marketing and in-kind support.

For the last two years we have conducted a live auction on the night of the event, however this year we are requesting interested advertisers make bids before the event, with the winning bids confirmed prior to the event and the total raised confirmed on the night, Mr McCabe said.

Nominated charity Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) will showcase their talent to an audience of media industry leaders and marketing executives. To enable everybody to get involved this year there will also be a few exclusive money can't buy consumer items up for auction.

Marketers or media companies wishing to bid on media packages over the coming weeks should contact Melanie Banister at melanie.banister@ninemsn.com.au.

Ends

FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SELECTED CHARITIES:

Youth Off The Streets supports homeless and drug addicted young Australians as they work to turn their lives around.

Musicians Making A Difference work with youth communities all over the country to help change lives through music.

KidsXpress is an expressive therapy program aimed at empowering children by encouraging self expression through the use of music, art, dance and drama therapies.

Newpin is a preventative, early intervention program, offering intensive work with families facing potential or actual child-protection issues.

MEDIA SUPPORTERS INCLUDE:
TV: Seven, Nine, Ten, MCN, FCM, XYZ Networks, SBS
Press: Fairfax, News Corp
Magazines: News Magazines, ACP, , Pacific
Radio: Austereo, DMG, ARN, MRN
OOH: EYE, APN, Adshel, JC Decaux
Online: News Digital Media, Ninemsn, Fairfax Digital
Mobile: Hutchinson - 3

Please direct all media enquiries to:
Hannah Furness, Red Agency
M: 0409 348 250
E: hannah.furness@redagency.com.au

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Friday, May 15, 2009

Virgin's Branson Supports The Prince Of Wales 'Frog' Campaign - Virgin Poker

Today (11th May 2009) Richard Branson pledged his support for the Prince of Wales “Frog” Campaign. Richard stated “As you all know, for many years I have been concerned with climate change and its impact. The plight of the world’s rainforests is a massive influence on this and perhaps the single most important factor in protecting our environment – that is why I have served on the steering group for this project.

“I will use my speeches and contacts to reinforce his message. The Prince is looking for public support across the globe by seeking millions of sign ups for his web based petition.”

Simon Burridge CEO of Virgin Games (poker, casino and bingo games) commented “This is another great initiative by Richard and The Prince of Wales. They are setting the standard when it comes to campaigning on climate change. Virgin Games is thrilled to be a part of helping bring awareness of the devastation that it’s having to rainforests all over the world.”

To find out more and get involved with the The Princes Rainforest Project please go to www.rainforestsos.org and pledge your support to saving the worlds rainforests.

About Virgin Games Virgin Games, a subsidiary of Virgin.com Ltd, launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct entertainment offerings, giving consumers the chance to play their favourite online games the Virgin way:

Virgin Casino, part of the Wagerworks network, provides a taste of Vegas online, with classic casino offerings like blackjack and roulette, as well as popular feature slots like Elvis, Cleopatra and Vegas, Baby!

Virgin Poker, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry. The successful Virgin Poker Festivals, which take place in casinos around the UK throughout the year, now allow gamers to experience the fun of Virgin Poker offline too.

Virgin Bingo offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as regular promotions and an unrivalled loyalty scheme.

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

And now, here's a number for Richard Branson, by Josephine Tovey - The Sydney Morning Herald - 11th May 2009

The rocker Nick Cave calls it "crucial to the cultural fabric of the city" and the pop star Ben Lee calls it "a true alternative", but the Sydney community radio station FBi 94.5FM is fighting off another label: recession casualty.

The youth music station lost more than half its revenue in February, largely due to corporate sponsors pulling out. Hundreds of members, from FBi's core listeners, twenty-somethings, have also withdrawn their financial support.

"All our revenue streams are being affected," said FBi's general manager, Evan Kaldor. "Our members are being personally affected by the global financial crisis. They're either losing their jobs or pulling back on their discretionary spending."

While the station managers say they are not considering closure just yet, a failure to raise funds urgently will result in significant cutbacks.

FBi began broadcasting in 2003 after a competitive campaign for FM licences. It has a mandate to play local music: 50 per cent must be Australian, with half of that coming from Sydney.

Rather than relying on traditional supporter drives to get through the downturn, the station is using a cheeky alternative: asking listeners to lobby the Virgin CEO, Richard Branson, to write a cheque to the station for $1 million.

The "Ask Richard" campaign website, which was launched yesterday, asks listeners to perform stunts or create videos or songs to get Branson's attention.

"We thought [Branson] was someone who would respond to the audacious nature of the campaign. He's someone who's quite playful with the media," said the station's director, Megan Loader.

The Herald understands some volunteers are concerned the campaign will associate the station with the Virgin brand and that it is not in keeping with the ethos of community radio.

Since it began test broadcasts in 1994, the station has helped launch the careers of bands such as Wolfmother and The Vines, and DJs including Triple J presenters Marc Fennell and Linda Marigliano.

According to audience surveys in March, FBi has about 219,000 weekly listeners but fewer than 2 per cent of them donate to the station. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)

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Social and Community Entrepreneurs

Branson takes on Mia Farrow's Darfur hunger strike - 10th May 2009

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Mia Farrow has ended a 12-day hunger strike she used to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's embattled Darfur region, the actress announced on her website.

Farrow, 64, had been on a water-only diet from April 27 in what the actress described as an "expression of outrage" at deaths from starvation, thirst and disease in Darfur.

Farrow ended her fast Friday after advice from a doctor.

British tycoon Richard Branson said he would take over Farrow's fast for three days in a gesture of solidarity with the humanitarian activist.

"I have been instructed by my doctor to stop my fast immediately due to health concerns including possible seizures," Farrow said on her website.

"I am fortunate. The women, children, and men I am fasting for do not have that option."

Farrow said she hoped other figures would step forward to fast for Darfur until humanitarian agencies expelled from the region in March were readmitted.

Branson said he was happy to follow in Farrow's footsteps.

"I'm honored to be taking over the fast for the next three days from Mia Farrow in her courageous stance to support the people of Darfur," he said in a statement.

Virgin boss Branson said he had been moved by the plight of Darfur's people after visiting the region.

"I was humbled and inspired by the courage of the Darfuri people and the commitment of the aid organizations that were working on the frontlines," said Branson.

"We cannot stand and watch as one million people suffer. We all need to stand up and demand that international aid is restored and that the people of Darfur are protected and given the chance to live in peace."

Farrow, a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, is one of several celebrities who have campaigned relentlessly to draw attention to the conflict in Darfur.

The United Nations says 300,000 people have died -- many from disease and hunger -- and 2.7 million have been made homeless by the Darfur conflict, which erupted in 2003. Khartoum puts the death toll at 10,000.

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Richard Branson

Virgin Unite

Social and Community Entrepreneurs

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Media Man Australia - Social and Community Entrepreneurs

Media Man Australia - Social and Community Entrepreneurs

Media Man Australia supports many worthy community and social causes. This is done primarily in a positive news media capacity.

The official Media Man Australia website showcases many of these wonderful good causes and charities.

Media Man Australia is not accepting any submissions in 2009 from any other social causes or charities that we are not always assisting.

Favorite worthy causes and charities of Media Man Australia include Virgin Unite, beyondblue, The Salvation Army, National Breast Cancer Foundation, The Shane Warne Foundation and Variety.

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Charity

Social and Community Entrepreneurs

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Tweet charity: Jackman's $100,000 Twitter pledge, by Arjun Ramachandran - The Sydney Morning Herald - 15th April 2009

Hugh Jackman is now using Twitter for philanthropic purposes, after last week's bungle when he renamed the Opera House the "Opera Center".

About 7am today, Jackman wrote on Twitter: "I will donate 100K to one individual's favorite non profit organization.Of course,you must convince me why by using 140 characters or less."

Since Jackman's call-out, responses have been posted at a rate of several per minute. Suggestions include Jackman giving the money to charities involved in homelessness, fighting disease, child welfare and in developing impoverished nations.

Charity groups were not deterred by the possibility Jackman, who has almost 36,000 people following him on Twitter, could be making the pledge as part of a public relations exercise.

"Quite possibly [it's a PR stunt] but at the end of the day a community organisation is going to get a significant amount of money that they wouldn't have otherwise got," said Philanthropy Australia CEO Gina Anderson.

"$100,000 is a large amount of money, he doesn't have to give it ... it's fantastic.

"On the other hand, $100,000 sounds like a lot of money to be making a decision about based on 140 characters."

Ms Anderson said the public pledge might also raise awareness for whatever charity received the donation.

"It's very important that people see others giving," she said.

"They might look at [Jackman] and say 'Why is he giving money there, why is that important?' ... it's a leadership role."

In a later tweet, Jackman wrote: "The more passion shown for your charity the better! Get the support of your friends and teach them the importance of giving."

Ms Anderson described the evolution of Jackman's pledge on Twitter, where hundreds of responses were pouring in each hour, as "fascinating to watch".

"I think it's exciting because it's using new media, and there's that connection with a new demographic and encouragement of personal participation," she said.

The use of new communications technology to entice charitable donations was an "emerging space", she said.

Other recent examples included online giving sites, and commercial organisations encouraging people to make small donations by ticking a box while making some other online transactions.

Jackman got into trouble last week over his use of Twitter after he mispelled "harbor" and renamed one of his hometown's most famous icons the "Opera Center".

He later put the error down his message becoming "translated by someone American in my office" after he relayed it over the phone.

Comment is awaited from Jackman. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)

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Hugh Jackman

Social and Community Entrepreneurs

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Burswood & Crown unite to support bushfire tragedy - 18th February 2009

Burswood Entertainment Complex and Crown Casino in Melbourne has united to provide financial aid and support to victims of the devastating Victorian bushfire tragedy.

Crown Limited, on behalf of Crown Melbourne and Burswood Entertainment Complex has pledged $500,000 towards helping these families and communities rebuild their lives.

In addition, a partnership has been established between Burswood and Crown with the Salvation Army to set up collection points for patrons and staff wishing to make their own contributions. Funds collected will support the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal, helping fund the Salvos’ Emergency response to the tragedy. The Salvation Army is at the front line at bushfire locations helping communities devastated by the disasters and working in partnership with the various Federal and State Government agencies involved.

Burswood’s Chief Executive Officer, Barry Felstead, said Burswood was committed to working with patrons, staff and the wider community to help those in need.

“The last few days have seen tragedy and devastation affecting entire families and communities. On behalf of Burswood, I extend our deepest sympathy to everyone affected by this disaster. Burswood is proud to stand by and support the work of The Salvation Army and their volunteers on the front line and offer our sincerest support and encouragement to all involved,” said Mr Felstead.

Warren Palmer, Public Relations Secretary from The Salvation Army WA branch said that the support of the community was imperative at this time.

“Without a doubt, our best qualities are on show with how we respond to people in crisis. We are grateful to Burswood Entertainment Complex and many others who have responded with overwhelming generosity. The Salvation Army has already distributed over 2.5 million dollars in immediate assistance and we are committed to providing support in their longer term recovery.”

Burswood has established ten collection points around the Complex for donations to the Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal.

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Burswood Entertainment Complex

Crown Casino

The Salvation Army