Steve Irwin Gala Dinner celebrates 10 years of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Conservationists, Australia Zoo and special guests joined together in Brisbane on Saturday night (22nd November) for the annual Steve Irwin Gala Dinner, to celebrate the life and legacy of Steve Irwin, as well as the 10th Anniversary milestone of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and a brand new conservation awards program.

Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin welcomed guests including politicians Andrew Powell and Clive Palmer, Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart, RACQ Chief Executive - Operations Glenn Toms, renowned vocalist Von Smith, emcees Tim Dormer and Stacey Thomson and Wildlife Warriors Global Ambassadors, Paul De Gelder, and Elissa Sursara, for a spectacular evening in honour of the original Crocodile Hunter. 

Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Australian Girls Choir opened the prestigious event before guests enjoyed five-star hospitality with a three-course gourmet dinner, drinks and live entertainment by YouTube sensation and American Idol contestant, Von Smith.  

Live and silent auctions took place to raise much-needed funds for the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which turns 10 years old this year and has treated over 55,000 wildlife patients in this time. Generous guests bid on prizes including a Formula 1 Package of a lifetime, an indulgent Bali holiday, an Italian Culinary experience, and the opportunity to wrangle crocs with Terri, Bindi and Robert on the Australia Zoo croc research trip in Cape York. 

While last minute donations towards the evening are still being calculated, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors already cite Saturday night's event as the most successful to date.

Commenting on the event, Terri Irwin stated "the Steve Irwin Gala Dinner saw more guests than ever before come out to celebrate the legacy of Steve, and help us to continue his work towards wildlife conservation.

“We are honoured to have shared the room with so many wonderful Wildlife Warriors, who dug deep and made a significant contribution to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.

“We look forward to growing this annual event, the biggest fundraiser for Wildlife Warriors, more and more each year – spreading Steve’s message further and assisting us with the rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.”

For the first time, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors presented a series of conservation awards at the event, recognising outstanding individuals and organisations for their commitment to conservation in five different award categories. 
Candidates for the new awards were chosen for their commitment and contributions to wildlife conservation locally, nationally and around the globe and for their support of Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors in 2013-2014. 

Winners and finalists of the awards were: 

Outstanding Conservation Achievement Award:
Awarded to the Queensland Government for their assistance in protecting the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve from strip mining. MP Andrew Powell accepted this award from Terri Irwin, who also gifted the Queensland Government with a book featuring a collection of beautiful photographs and thank you messages from Australia Zoo staff.

Wildlife Conservation Award for an individual:
Winner: Dr Philip Moses – Dr Philip Moses from Veterinary Specialist Services (VSS), generously supports the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital on an ongoing basis. When the vets need assistance, he performs specialised orthopedic surgeries on koalas, free of charge. 
Runner-up nominee: Carolyn Ferguson

Wildlife Conservation Award for a group:
Winner: The Patricia Dukes Foundation – Sydney businesswoman Patricia Dukes sadly passed away on the 18th of October, 2010. Under her will, Ms Dukes established a charitable trust to support the causes she felt passionate about resulting in a generous donation of $100,000 over two years. 
Runner-up nominees: BBC2, Discovery Kids and SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund

Corporate Partner Award:
Winner: RACQ –RACQ donated two vehicles fitted with state-of-the-art medical equipment to the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit and Wildlife Hospital to ensure sick and injured wildlife are transported safely and comfortably as well as donating $55,926 directly to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital as a result of the RACQ Australia Zoom event. 
Runner-up nominees: AAT Kings and Unitywater

Visionary Wildlife Warrior Award:
This new award encouraged young conservationists to showcase their contribution to wildlife conservation in their local communities throughout Australia and the world. With an impressive suite of entries received, two entrants were selected as winners - Corey Roff from Australia and Braden Benz, who travelled all the way from his home in the USA to accept his award.

Having inspired millions around the world to play a part in conserving our wildlife and wild places, Steve’s legacy lives on through Australia Zoo, Wildlife Warriors and his passionate and dedicated family. Proceeds from the Steve Irwin Gala Dinner will be donated to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, who in the last 10 years has treated over 55,000 patients ranging from birds and koalas, to frogs, snakes, and sea turtles.

6th November 2014 - STEVE IRWIN DAY TO HONOUR LEGACY OF AUSTRALIA’S WILDLIFE WARRIOR

21st February 2011 - AUSTRALIA ZOO STRUGGLES WITHOUT STEVE IRWIN