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Dear %%First_Name%%,
In this edition, I'm pleased to be able to announce a full time presence in our new survey region, a brand new partnership with a leading television channel, progress on our education program with a new interactive game for the young ones (and young at heart), a new website and the completion of a successful survey season on the Great Barrier Reef.
As Chair of the Board of Directors at Reef Check Australia, I'm looking forward to seeing the organisation continue to grow steadily over the next six months. We have exciting plans for the future and I'll have more news updates for you next quarter.
Meanwhile, please have a look at our totally new and easy to navigate website at www.reefcheckaustralia.org, and let us know what you think by emailing us at support@reefcheckaustralia.org.
But most importantly, thank you as always for your ongoing support
 
Mark Miller
Board Chair
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supersonic SURVEYS
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It's the end of May and our GBR survey season is already done and dusted. We've managed to cover the Great Barrier Reef at an excellent speed this year and have surveyed 27 sites from Port Douglas down to Airlie Beach. Unfortunately, this is the limit of our funding for the GBR project this season but we hope to secure more for next year, in addition to the MTSRF funding already granted for 2010.
 A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on surveys. We couldn't do the work we do without your valuable volunteering. We hope to see you all again next February for more underwater acrobatics, shark sightings and critter spotting. Thanks also to all our ever-supportive operator partners for accommodating us on another successful season - you've been giving us great positive feedback so we must be doing our job well.
Initial reports show some evidence of bleaching but certainly no mass event this year. Our sites showed no sign of a COTS outbreak either. You'll very soon be able to access the data we've collected this season by logging onto our new database: Watch this space for news of the launch!
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in the spotlight
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Operator Profile | Poseidon, Port Douglas
Providing a professional service and trips that "Take you to the very edge" of the outer Great Barrier Reef, a cruise, snorkel or dive with Poseidon is a most memorable experience. A family run business based in Port Douglas, Poseidon boasts a friendly, experienced crew who are excellent guides to some of the best sites on the GBR.
Peter Wright at Poseidon has been one of Reef Check Australia's most long standing supporters and still proudly donates berth space entirely free of charge for our volunteer surveyors. Peter says: "I feel it is essential that operators like myself contribute in any way they can to ensure the reef stays in good shape and for that reason I am always pleased to have researchers on board, such as Reef Check Australia, in order to closely monitor any potential changes. They are doing a great job, and the marine biologists in my crew always appreciate the opportunity to work with researchers. Anything we can do to help the reef continue to thrive, we will do."
Offering full snorkel equipment and tuition, as well as a dedicated tender for adventure certified diving, Poseidon is well-appointed for a great day trip. Our volunteers can also confirm the excellent quality of meals - and very good cake!
For more information and to make a booking, visit www.poseidon-cruises.com.au
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are you game?
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June will be a very exciting month for Reef IQ with the official launch of our Educational Program for young people and our new fun online Reef Check Game. Our educational materials will be free for download and are focused on coral reefs and monitoring.
The Reef IQ game supports the educational program and involves virtual diving among coral reefs identifying different coral creatures and impacts!
Reef Checkers, feel free to have a go and see if you can reach the top of the scoreboard!
Click here to play the Reef IQ Game!
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sbs Success stardom
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Reef Check Australia has been awarded the prestigious title of SBS Foundation Partner in a new initiative from the television giant. We have been chosen as one of the charitable organisations to benefit from the newly created SBS Foundation. The Foundation, created by the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), is offering $2 million in airtime and tailored support and advice to the successful organisations over a one year period.
Chosen from a field of more than 500 applicants, Reef Check Australia was selected as one of just two environmental charities to enjoy a 12-month partnership. Look out for our first commercial coming to your living room over the next few weeks!
We're hoping this advertisement will bring more people to our new website and encourage vital donations, particularly in light of the $900 stimulus package from Mr Rudd. Did you know, if you spend this on a donation to Reef Check Australia, you'll benefit from a tax liability reduction of over $200?
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reaching out to a new region
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Following on from the lessons learnt and successes enjoyed on the Great Barrier Reef, Reef Check Australia is formally securing a new territory - South East Queensland. Thanks to the valuable contributions of our partners in the region: The University of Queensland, The University of the Sunshine Coast and Seaworld, as well as recently secured funding from Coastcare, we now have the resources to set up a permanent co-ordinator in the region, Jenn Loder.
Dave Logan, CoralWatch project manager at The University of Queensland says: "UQ is proud to support Reef Check Australia's efforts to help protect South East Queensland's reefs. Office space, local research expertise and resources are being provided through CoralWatch, our international coral health monitoring and education program."
Shark Bay at Sea World is the new training facility on the Gold Coast and Jenn will base her Gold Coast activites from the Sea World offices. Jenn will be managing training, education, surveys and volunteers, as well as looking to set up new partnerships with operators and businesses in the region. We wish her all the best for the new survey season, starting next month. Surveys will take place between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.
If you'd like to join the survey team in this region, you can still enrol on our weekend-based training course (four weekends) on the Sunshine Coast starting on 5th June. Contact support@reefcheckaustralia.org today to book your place!
DON'T FORGET: CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE WWW.REEFCHECKAUSTRALIA.ORG
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