Terri blocks prickly questions for Bindi

Terri Irwin has hit out at critics who accuse her of pushing eight-year-old daughter, Bindi, into the media spotlight.

Irwin also demonstrated first-hand how protective she was of Bindi, cutting off an American television reporter who persisted in asking Bindi repeated personal questions about her late father, Steve "Crocodile Hunter" Irwin.

"I don't know that I want to go down that line," Irwin cut in after the Los Angeles TV reporter asked Bindi three consecutive questions about her famous father.

American-born Irwin, 42, and Australian Tourism Minister Fran Bailey took centre stage at the press conference at an LA hotel on Saturday where Irwin was announced as Australia's news tourism ambassador.

Media commentators in Australia and the US have been critical of Bindi's busy media campaign since her father's death from a stingray attack in September last year.

Rupert Murdoch's popular 24-hour US cable TV news network has been particularly critical of Irwin and her handlers, with fiery on-air debates.

Irwin told reporters she did not see the Fox News reports, but had been told about them.

She said Bindi, who is home-schooled and lives inside the family's Queensland animal park, Australia Zoo, had an easier lifestyle than many other children.

"Every child is an individual and every parent needs to approach it uniquely and individually," Irwin, explaining the way she raises Bindi, told reporters.

Bindi, who finished year 3 last year, was an A-grade student, she said.

"I wouldn't say Bindi has it easy, because I have to make her go to school," she said.

"She doesn't always want to go to school.

"But, when it comes to extra-curricular activities I don't have to make her sing and dance. She asks to.

"Certainly I want to help encourage her in whatever direction she wants to take."

During her US tour for the G'Day USA festival, which includes two concerts with The Wiggles in LA and New York, Bindi's exposure has been restricted.

In TV interviews on CNN's Larry King and the Ellen Degeneres talkshow, Irwin began both interviews, with Bindi brought on later.

Bindi did not appear on Jay Leno's talkshow, staying backstage while her mother sat before the cameras.

At Saturday's Tourism Australia press conference, Bindi sat at the rear of the room away from the cameras until the end of questions, when she posed for photos and answered a few media questions.

On Friday, Bindi had a day off from the media spotlight.

For fun, she "climbed trees" on the grounds of her LA hotel, Irwin said.

"She has no problem being an eight-year-old little girl," Irwin said.

"Ginger, her teddy bear, is travelling with us and has her own suitcase.

"We are travelling well and as normally as a family who lives in a zoo can be."

The family was planning a trip to Disneyland for Bindi and her brother Bob, three, who has been largely kept clear of cameras during the US trip.

"I think Bindi's schedule is a lot easier than a lot of children's," Irwin explained.

"... There's a lot of kids who have soccer practice, piano lessons, dance lessons and parents start feeling like a chauffeur and kids start feeling overwhelmed.

"Bindi is certainly not like that.

"Our evenings (at home in Queensland) are together as a family and we are really blessed to be able to be in a situation where we can take time off like that."

Irwin also gave further details about why she decided to destroy the videotape containing footage of her husband's death.

She said if the tape was used for educational purposes, it may have been kept, but she feared it could be used to sensationalise the Crocodile Hunter's death.

"I couldn't see a point to the tape," Irwin said.

"I couldn't see anything but sensational interest in it.

"It certainly wasn't what Steve was about.

"He wasn't a showman for the case of being a showman.

"He was an educator and a conservationist and, if that message didn't come through, there would be no reason to air it."


http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=347694

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SteveIrwinForeverInMyHeart,

I wish the media would leave them alone, if Bindi didn't want to do what she was doing she would say so. I hope she has all the success that she deserves. Steve would be extremely proud of his daughter.

Well said Alison,I completely agree they should leave Bindi alone,if she didn't enjoy singing and dancing on stage she wouldn't do it,you can tell she enjoys being on stage.I'm sure Steve is watching over her smiling and is very proud of her for being herself.You can tell Bindi's happy when she's performing on stage which is good,thats all Steve and Terri want is for Bindi to be happy and she is.I think Bindi is the luckiest girl in the world to have parents like Steve and Terri who are genuie and caring people,to be able to grow up with wildlife and who take Bindi and Robert with them everywhere so they can learn about wildlife around the world.Before the media criticise Steve or Terri they should try to see the good in them instead of putting them down.I'm glad Terri has stopped them from asking Bindi the same questions about Steve,instead of asking personal questions to Bindi (who was very close to Steve and has just lost him) they should ask her different questions,Terri and Bindi are trying to move forward not backwards.Its nice Terri is protective of Bindi.I think Bindi has a good mum in Terri, I don't think Terri would push Bindi into doing anything she doesn't want to do.All Terri wants for Bindi and Robert is to be happy,I'm sure Terri is doing the best she can by them.There a close family who should be allowed to grieve in peace.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SteveIrwinForeverInMyHeart,

Terri Irwin to Promote Australia in U.S. Tourism Market

By David McIntyre

Jan. 14 (Bloomberg) -- Terri Irwin, the American wife of the late ``Crocodile Hunter'' Steve Irwin, will promote Australia to the U.S. tourism market to help reverse a decline in spending.

Terri, who together with her daughter Bindi Irwin is playing live shows in the U.S. as part of a promotional tour for Australia, has agreed to become a tourism ambassador, Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said in Los Angeles today, according to a media release posted on the government's Web site.

``Terri is an American talking to Americans about her love for Australia, the country she first visited as a tourist,'' Bailey said. ``She is well liked by Americans and is keen to share her love of Australian wildlife and conservation.''

Irwin's appointment is part of the government's campaign to reverse a 21 percent decline in spending by American tourists since 2001, which accounts for half of a A$1 billion ($780 million) drop in receipts from overseas visitors in that time. In the year to June, international tourists contributed A$18.8 billion to Australia's economy, with visitors from the U.S. the third-biggest spenders behind those from the U.K. and Japan.

Irwin, 42, will help fill a void left when her husband died after a stingray's barb pierced his heart during the filming of a documentary. Steve Irwin shot to fame after his first wildlife documentary, ``The Crocodile Hunter,'' became a global hit. He went on to film 53 episodes of the Emmy award-nominated ``Croc Files'' and ``The Crocodile Hunter Diaries'' which chronicled his day-to-day life working at Australia Zoo.

American tourists spent A$1.9 billion dollars in the year to June, down from A$2.4 billion in fiscal 2001, according to government figures. Visitors from the U.K. and Japan contributed A$2.9 billion and A$2.1 billion respectively.

The number of visitors from the U.S. rose 1.6 percent to 452 million in the 12 months to June. Still, that is down 10 percent from the peak of 502 million in fiscal 2001.

Terri Irwin is performing in live shows in Los Angeles today and New York on Jan. 20 as part of ``G'Day USA: Australia Week 2007,'' a government promotional event in collaboration with Qantas Airways Ltd., Australia's largest airline.

To contact the reporter on this story: David McIntyre in Sydney at dmcintyre2@bloomberg.net


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=adZ...DD5I&refer=australia

Terri ditches khaki for red carpet
Peta Hellard and Peter Mitchell
January 14,2007 11:00pm

TERRI Irwin swapped the khaki for a slinky black evening dress yesterday as she walked the red carpet at the annual G'day USA Australia Week gala ball in Hollywood.

The appearance was so out of character for the wife of the late Steve Irwin that she outshone stars including Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe, The Wiggles, John Travolta, Naomi Watts and Olivia Newton-John in the race for the photographers' attention.


Inside the ceremony, Terri – who was joined by eight-year-old daughter Bindi – was emotional as she accepted a lifetime achievement award on behalf of her husband, who was killed by a stingray in September.

"It's a very special night to celebrate," Irwin said.

"I think Steve would have felt overwhelmed (by the award) – he wouldn't have believed it.

"Steve has always been a very humble person and never thought of himself as terribly terrific but he sure thought his country is.

"I wish Steve was here and if I can't have that I'll do my best in his stead."

Terri was yesterday named as a special ambassador for Australian tourism and will soon star in her own globally screened television series about travel in Australia as part of her promotional duties.

Crowe and Watts were also honoured for their achievements in the entertainment industry.

The Gladiator star said it was a bittersweet evening, with the Oscar-winner sad his wildlife warrior friend was missing from the event they had looked forward to attending together.

"It was not so long ago that we were making plans to be here together and working out what sort of mischief we might get up to but then that all changed," he said.

Other well-known names on the red carpet included former cricket captain Steve Waugh, former Olympic swim champion Kieran Perkins, surfing champion Layne Beachley rock duo sisters The Veronicas and Australian screen stars Melissa George, Simon Baker, Kimberley Joseph and Kate Beahan.

Irwin said she had enjoyed glamming-up for the special evening, but was not used to donning a gown and heels.

"This is strange – hopefully no-one is going to call me with a wildlife emergency and I have to climb a tree to rescue a squirrel," she joked.

"I'm a bit out of my depth tonight but I'm having a wonderful time."

G'day USA Australia Week festivities continue tomorrow with a sold out concert by Bindi and The Wiggles, before the roadshow moves to Washington and New York.

Meanwhile, Australia can expect a surge in American tourists with Qantas announcing today it is adding five new flights from the US to satisfy increased demand.

The boost follows the success of the celebrity studded G'Day USA: Australia Week promotion in the US which inspires Americans to travel to Australia.

In the days after last year's G'Day event Qantas experienced a 35 per cent spike in bookings and the airline is ensuring this year it has enough seats to cater for the demand.

The new Qantas flights include three between Los Angeles and Sydney and two between San Francisco and Sydney.

Qantas will have 40 flights a week to Australia from the US mainland and eight from Honolulu, including Jetstar.

"That's a record," said Qantas' senior executive vice president of the Americas and Pacific, Wally Mariani.

"We have never had anywhere near this number of flights to Australia."

Americans are being offered an Aussie AirPass from $US1099 ($A1409), which includes return flights to Australia and another three flights within Australia.

The new non-stop LA-Sydney flights will be temporary, from June 19 to July 28, to cater for the peak US summer travel period.

The new San Francisco-Sydney flights will be permanent.

Mariani said Qantas was expecting another bump in bookings following this year's G'Day USA festival, which involves major events in Los Angeles and New York over the next week, including the sold out Penfolds Icon Black Tie Gala in LA.

The event will honour Russell Crowe, Naomi Watts and the late Steve Irwin and will feature a cavalcade of A-List guests, including John Travolta and Bindi Irwin.

Qantas has been one of the major backers of the G'Day promotion since its inception four years ago, along with the Federal Government's foreign affairs and trade arms and Tourism Australia.

"What we noticed last year was that we had a 35 per cent spike in bookings the week of the 16th of January," Mariani said.

"That's the highest intake of bookings that we've ever had. It was a record."

Qantas' announcement is also great news for Australians planning to fly to the US, with the return legs of the new flights creating thousands of extra seats to America.

Mariani said the significant media coverage of the G'Day events in Australia also inspires Australians to visit the US.

"There's more and more Americans going down to Australia, but there's also good demand going the other way," Mariani said.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21059850-3102,00.html

Terri steps up to take over Steve's role of selling Australia
Philippa Bourke in Los Angeles
January 15, 2007

TERRI Irwin, a hard-driving promoter of Australia on United States airwaves since touching down in her homeland last week, has been named an ambassador of Australian tourism in Los Angeles by the federal Tourism Minister, Fran Bailey.

Later Irwin shed her khaki for a black gown and the seamless aplomb of the A-listers at her side for a gala that honoured Steve Irwin's memory.

"I am absolutely delighted," Ms Bailey said of Irwin's decision to accept the invitation at a media conference held at lunchtime on Saturday.

Irwin's first job as ambassador, she said, would be in Toronto when the G'Day Australia bandwagon moves on to Canada from New York and the US at the end of the month.

"I have to say that I couldn't think of a better person to fill this position," Ms Bailey said, shelving the expected appointment of Irwin's daughter, eight-year-old Bindi. "Terri together with Bindi has been carrying on the magnificent work that Steve has done for Australia."

The actors Russell Crowe and Naomi Watts were honoured for their achievements at the star-studded event.

Crowe, who greeted Irwin with a kiss and private words of comfort, said of her: "She knows I'm there if she wants me. She can just call me, whatever it is that she might need [and] I can help her with."

Asked what he thought of her appointment, he said, "It's a wonderful idea ... Given that Terri's American she has a unique way of being able to contact people and a unique experience of Australia ...

She's a perfect person to explain to people the natural beauties of the country, the grandness of our society in its own terms - the egalitarian society."

In prime-time spots on the TV talk show circuit Irwin has mixed her message with a widow's grief, tears and humour.

On Larry King Live she horsed around with the children backstage.

On The Ellen DeGeneres Show she philosophised. On The Tonight Show with Jay Leno she cried.

Her face, showing stress on Saturday under the make-up, has mostly remained determined and her message has never changed: "Come to Australia," she declared on the Larry King segment.

Earlier, in response to the announcement of her ambassadorship, she said: "It's amazing that I first went to Australia as a tourist. So I, of all people, can tell you that Australia is the ultimate tourist destination. And ladies, you might meet that hunky bloke like I did!"

Responding to reporters' questions about Bindi, Irwin joked that her daughter's dancing ability reflected nothing genetic on either side.

She said the Irwins had made the decision to teach Bindi at home so they would not be absentee parents.

Bindi, she said, can always knock off for the day and unwind in a zoo, great for her mental health and physical fitness.

Addressing concerns about Bindi's workload, Irwin said she was embarrassed: "I've given Bindi's schedule a lot of thought."

Bindi, she pointed out, had been filming all her life. Irwin, indeed, filmed the births of both of his children.

Ms Bailey and Irwin were joined briefly by Bindi, who said she thought her mother would be a great tourism ambassador and that she would one day like to do the same: "It's really nice having my own show. I feel that I have somewhere where I can be me. I can sing [and] dance, which is really great."

Irwin stepped in to protect her daughter from the more aggressive line of questioning of a US television reporter, at which officials, including Ms Bailey, were clearly ruffled.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/terri-steps-up-to-take...4/1168709615973.html

Aussie stars roll out for G'day USA ball
14th January 2007, 15:21 WST

Bindi Irwin shared the red carpet with Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe was fashionably late and there was a taste of Kazakhstan at the glamorous G'Day USA Penfolds Icon Ball in Los Angeles.


More than 1,200 celebrities, business leaders, politicians and star-spotting Aussie commoners came together at the black tie event, which has become one of LA's hottest tickets.

With seats selling for up to $US1,000 ($A1,280) each, the A-List guests included Sacha Baron Cohen, better known as Borat, John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and Peter Fonda.

Cohen skipped the red carpet, but later joined his girlfriend, Australian actress Isla Fisher for the festivities.

The event was held at LA's Hyatt Regency Century City Plaza hotel to honour Crowe, Naomi Watts and the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin.

Crowe, who won the best actor Oscar for Gladiator in 2001, was presented with an excellence in entertainment award while Watts, a best actress Oscar nominee in 2003 for 21 Grams was honoured with an excellence in film award.

Irwin, killed by a stingray in September last year, was treated to a special tribute, including an emotional video presentation.

Travolta, who met Irwin at last year's G'Day Ball, introduced the video presentation.

"There were a lot of important people here, but the media and the people had their eyes on Steve Irwin," said Travolta, recalling the camera flashes that greeted Irwin when he stepped on the red carpet last year.

Terri Irwin broke up the audience in laughter when she accepted her husband's award from Travolta.

In one scene of the video, Irwin was holding up a giant snake and she joked that it reminded her of something her husband used to say in the privacy of their bedroom.

"When he was holding that giant Asian water monitor and said 'Crikey, have a go at the size of this'," Terri Irwin told the audience, shaking her head.

"If I had a dollar for every time he said that. God bless you Steve."

Crowe, also a friend of the Crocodile Hunter, spoke fondly of his khaki clad pal, who in the previous three G'Day balls flew over from Australia Zoo in Queensland to be a guest.

Crowe and Irwin had planned to meet up at this year's ball.

"It was only a small time ago we were planning on being here together and getting up to a bit of mischief," said Crowe, who was the last to arrive on the red carpet, about 20 minutes late, said.

Guests snacked on a four course feast by Sydney celebrity chef Neil Perry, who flew in the ingredients, including wild tiger prawns, yabby, and grain fed beef, from Australia.

The crowd was entertained by Australian rock duo, The Veronicas, as well as the Qantas choir.

The G'Day USA Australia Week festival is a federal government sponsored event to promote Australian business, entertainment, arts, food and wine in the US.

Director John Polson introduced Watts' award, while Hollywood director, Michael Mann, who cast a relatively unknown Crowe for the 1999 thriller, The Insider, introduced Crowe.

Other celebrities who attended included cricketing great Steve Waugh, swimmer Kieren Perkins, actors Michael Vartan, Rachel Griffiths, Simon Baker, Jonathan LaPaglia, Kate Beahan and Kimberley Joseph, The Wiggles and cinematographer Dean Semler.

Past G'day ball honourees included Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Mel Gibson, Blanchett, INXS and Newton-John.

AAP

http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=347719

SteveIrwinForeverInMyHeart Thank you for this Article. Isn't it wonderful to read that she was smiling and joking. And she looked just gorgeous.

Another Article:Terri named Aussie Tourist Ambassador

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21057274-23109,00.html

This message has been edited. Last edited by: shanon,

I agree Shanon Its nice Terri's been smiling and joking again,its nice to hear she's happy again,I'm really pleased for her.I agree Terri looked gorgeous in her dress,its nice she outshone everyone else at the gala dinner.Thanks for the link for the article its a great article,I'm really happy for Terri I'm sure she'll be a brilliant ambassodor for Australian Tourism!

Thanks for all those Articals. and i must say WOW Terri looked so amazing and so stunning in her black dress. I bet Steve was up there saying Crikey look at that beautiful shelia! I'm so happy to see her smiling and laughing again.
The media needs to back off too, Bindi wouldn't do anything she didn't want too and i don't belive for one second that Terri would push her into anything either.

You're welcome bextucker,I completely agree with your message,Terri looked stunning in that black dress and I'm sure Steve was watching down on Terri and Bindi smiling proudly! I'm sure Terri and Bindi have made Steve very proud of them!

Minister praises our Terri..

http://www.australiazoo.com.au/about-us/in-the-news/index.php?news=365

CRIKEY CROCS RULE!!

She did look so pretty!! I think the media just goes to far. Anything for a story. I am so glad to see Terri sticking to her guns on the way she is raising Bindi {and Bob}. Only a parent can raise their kids the "right way". Bindi has stated she wants to carry on with all she was doing before Steve died...to me thats very healthy, why would Terri risk messing it up?
Terri is a strong example of how great mothers should be. American media is rubbish.

This is a story about a young boy called Daniel Morcombe who went missing in 2003, Steve and Terri have held events at Australia Zoo in memory of this lad..

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/localnews/storydis...thesecondsubsection=

This is the video link to the programme 'Australian Story' which Terri did the introduction for...


http://www.abc.net.au/austory/

CRIKEY CROCS RULE!!

Good morning ILOVESTEVE
This is yet another example of the humble and loving hearts of Steve and Terri. So much that they have done, and Terri continues to do. Thank you for this article. Thanks to my family here, and all the information that is brought in. I have been a fan for years, but these are the things that made them exceptional. Doing all they can to help, those who need it, human and wildlife...not for attention, but to satisfy their loving hearts. Amazing people!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: shanon,

The Irwin's are truly amazing people, when you read on the Zoo website all that they have done for other causes, it makes me smile. They are not only helping wildlife and conservation but they are providing for Humanitarian aid. May they keep up the good work.

Irwins wife struggling with single parenthood..

http://www.pr-inside.com/irwin-s-wife-struggling-with-s...arenthood-r83284.htm

Terri Irwin: Life without Steve 'Extremely Difficult'

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20033285,00.html

CRIKEY CROCS RULE!!