Difference between revisions of "FurDU"
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{{FurDU}} | {{FurDU}} | ||
| − | '''Furry Down Under''' | + | '''Furry Down Under''', commonly referred to as '''FurDU''', is a [[furry convention]] that is held annually on the [[W:Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]], in [[W:Queensland (Australia)|Queensland]], Australia, and is currently the largest, most attended furry convention in the country. |
| − | FurDU | + | FurDU is currently held at two hotels in Surfers Paradise that are connected to each other, Oaks Gold Coast and Crowne Plaza Gold Coast. |
| − | + | FurDU was first held in the [http://www.vibehotels.com.au/default.asp?page=/vibe-locations/gold-coast-hotels/vibe-hotel-gold-coast 'Vibe' Hotel], Surfers Paradise, between the 23rd and 25th of April, 2010. The convention was originally intended to be held in [[W:Melbourne|Melbourne]], but it was later decided during the planning stages (and in conjunction with the original organizers relocating to Queensland) that hosting FurDU on the Gold Coast, a major Australian holiday destination, would prove far more beneficial. | |
==Programming== | ==Programming== | ||
| − | FurDU runs for three days, with programming starting Friday and ending Sunday night (or early into Monday morning). The convention changes its programming each year, these changes are reflected by the addition of new key events and the removal of events that have grown stale in the opinion of the | + | FurDU runs for three days, with programming starting Friday and ending Sunday night (or early into Monday morning). The convention changes its programming each year, these changes are reflected by the addition of new key events and the removal of events that have grown stale in the opinion of the organizers. |
| − | Since 2013, the Thursday prior to start of the convention has become a very popular day for 'pre-con' meet ups by attendees. In 2014 the Thursday prior to commencement was nicknamed 'Day Zero' by convention | + | Since 2013, the Thursday prior to the start of the convention has become a very popular day for 'pre-con' meet-ups by attendees. In 2014 the Thursday prior to commencement was nicknamed 'Day Zero' by convention organizers even though there was no official programming scheduled for that day. |
| − | === | + | ===Art and merchandise=== |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | Since the conventions founding in 2010, FurDU has offered dealers tables for attendees to sell artwork and merchandise. Between 2010 and 2012 due to hotel space restrictions, the dealers area always shared a common area with the main convention space and it was only possible to offer a strictly limited number of table spaces. | |
| − | + | While available table spaces improved at the [http://www.watermarkhotelgoldcoast.com.au/ Watermark Hotel] in 2012, permitting a larger number of dealers to trade, it wasn't until 2013 with the transition to the Outrigger Hotel that FurDU dealers were for the first time able to be provided with separate designated dealers den in which to trade from. | |
| − | === | + | In 2013 and 2014 the dealers den trading hours were restricted to only two days in order to allocate the dealers room for other convention activities on the third. |
| − | + | ||
| + | As of 2019 onwards, FurDU boasts the largest dedicated market for furry artists in Australia. The Dealers Den operates all three days, with the 2023 convention at Crowne Plaza and Oaks Gold Coast also introducing a more laid back artists alley. FurDU also offers its own art and merchandise at store.FurDU.com.au and in person at con operations. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Fursuiting=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | There are several events and other facilities for [[fursuiter]]s. These events change each year with the program, with the exception of the [[Fursuit Games]], [[Fursuit Walk]], and [[Fursuit Photography]] which have been traditionally held since the founding. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The [[Headless Lounge]], an area that only fursuiters can enter where they can freely un-[[suit]] and relax, has progressively increased in size each year as the number of fursuiters in attendance has also grown. Between 2010 and 2012 the headless lounge was a simple cordoned-off area with a gazebo set up for privacy, this area usually shared one of the smaller convention spaces such as a game room or chill-out area. | ||
| − | + | The transition to the [http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/australia/queensland/outrigger-surfers-paradise/overview Outrigger Hotel] in 2013 saw the introduction of a separate 70 square meter self-contained room used only as a dedicated headless lounge. This was the first time that the convention had ever been physically able to allocate a separate room specifically just for Fursuiters. In 2014 the same layout with this dedicated room was repeated, however, the fursuit lounge was scheduled to open later on day one as this room was temporally used to house part of the initial registration queue on Friday morning. | |
==History== | ==History== | ||
| Line 109: | Line 115: | ||
| [[FurDU 2023|2023]] | | [[FurDU 2023|2023]] | ||
| 12 - 14th May | | 12 - 14th May | ||
| − | | | + | | 1,219 <ref>''[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/1659164097470947328 Tweet] - FurDU Twitter. Dated/Retrieved May 18, 2023''</ref> |
| − | | Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise | + | | Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast<ref>''[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/1565104645915156490 Tweet]'' FurDU announces contract with Oaks Hotel, Gold Coast.</ref> |
| + | |- | ||
| + | | [[FurDU 2024|2024]] | ||
| + | | 19 - 21 April <ref>''[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/941 Telegram Channel Message]'' FurDU announces FurDU 2024 dates plus upcoming Tails of Terror event.</ref> | ||
| + | | 1,421 | ||
| + | | Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast | ||
|} | |} | ||
''*'''2015:''' A drop in attendance occurred in 2015, which is believed to be attributed to severe weather closing airports on both the Gold Coast and Brisbane on Friday May 1st, 2015 (the first day of the convention) which resulted in a number of flights being cancelled.''<br /> | ''*'''2015:''' A drop in attendance occurred in 2015, which is believed to be attributed to severe weather closing airports on both the Gold Coast and Brisbane on Friday May 1st, 2015 (the first day of the convention) which resulted in a number of flights being cancelled.''<br /> | ||
| − | ''*'''2020:''' FurDU 2020 was postponed until 2021 due to issues related to the [[COVID-19]] pandemic.<ref>[https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2518614671732117&id=1712351495691776&sfnsn=mo '' | + | ''*'''2020:''' FurDU 2020 was postponed until 2021 due to issues related to the [[COVID-19]] pandemic.<ref>[https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2518614671732117&id=1712351495691776&sfnsn=mo ''Unfortunately due to the new laws banning gatherings over 500 people, and our concern for attendees health, FurDU will be postponed until 2021''] post on [[Facebook]]. Retrieved May 21, 2020.</ref> |
===Themes=== | ===Themes=== | ||
| − | Furry Down Under features unique theme for each year that it runs. Although the convention has officially been themed since its founding in 2010, this became much more apparent in 2012 during "Carnival" where the venue began to reflect the theme more clearly through the use of stage props, decorations and theme specific events. Furry Down Under was postponed in 2020 due to the [[COVID-19]] pandemic. | + | |
| + | Furry Down Under features unique theme for each year that it runs. Although the convention has officially been themed since its founding in 2010, this became much more apparent in 2012 during "Carnival" where the venue began to reflect the theme more clearly through the use of stage props, decorations, and theme-specific events. Furry Down Under was postponed in 2020 due to the [[COVID-19]] pandemic. | ||
* 2010: "The Beach" | * 2010: "The Beach" | ||
* 2011: "Nightlife" | * 2011: "Nightlife" | ||
* 2012: "Carnival" | * 2012: "Carnival" | ||
| − | * 2013: "The World Of Tomorrow" | + | * 2013: "Steampunk - The World Of Tomorrow" |
* 2014: "Fhloston Paradise" | * 2014: "Fhloston Paradise" | ||
* 2015: "Jurassic Safari"<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/490727252665987072 Tweet] on the FurDU account on [[Twitter]]. Dated July 19, 2014. Retrieved August 15, 2014.</ref> | * 2015: "Jurassic Safari"<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/490727252665987072 Tweet] on the FurDU account on [[Twitter]]. Dated July 19, 2014. Retrieved August 15, 2014.</ref> | ||
| − | * 2016: "Toon Town" | + | * 2016: "Cartoons - Toon Town" |
* 2017: "The Outback" <ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/774497257072783360 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter. Dated September 10, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2016.</ref> | * 2017: "The Outback" <ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/774497257072783360 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter. Dated September 10, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2016.</ref> | ||
* 2018: "Film Noir" | * 2018: "Film Noir" | ||
| − | * 2019: | + | * 2019: “Apocalypse - Back To The Beach” |
* 2021: "Mad Science" <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156653927609263 Post] from the FurDU Facebook. Dated June 5, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.</ref> | * 2021: "Mad Science" <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156653927609263 Post] from the FurDU Facebook. Dated June 5, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.</ref> | ||
| − | * 2022: " | + | * 2022: "Pirates" |
| − | * 2023: "Game | + | * 2023: "Retro Gaming - Game On!" |
| + | * 2024: "Space - Furbidden Planet" | ||
===Special guests=== | ===Special guests=== | ||
| − | |||
| − | * 2012: [[ActFur on Air|Actfur On Air]], Dustin, Lupie, [[Anthrax]], [[ | + | FurDU first started featuring special guests (usually one local, and one international) as part of the convention content in 2012. Since then, it has featured the following special guests; |
| + | |||
| + | * 2012: [[ActFur on Air|Actfur On Air]], Dustin, Lupie, [[Anthrax]], [[W:Matt Hollywood|Matt Hollywood]] | ||
* 2013: [[StuCat]], [[Foxamoore]] | * 2013: [[StuCat]], [[Foxamoore]] | ||
* 2014: [[Silverfox5213|SilverFox]], [[Foxamoore]], Vurt | * 2014: [[Silverfox5213|SilverFox]], [[Foxamoore]], Vurt | ||
* 2015: [[Jay Stoat]], [[Macroceli]] | * 2015: [[Jay Stoat]], [[Macroceli]] | ||
* 2016: [[Pepper_Coyote|Pepper Coyote]] | * 2016: [[Pepper_Coyote|Pepper Coyote]] | ||
| − | * 2017: [[Kyell_Gold|Kyell Gold]]<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/787928267164487680 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter, Second 2017 GOH Announced Dated 13 Oct 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2017</ref>, PJ Saber (aka [[Kaz_(Australia)|Kaz]])<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/786480625389674496 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter, First 2017 GOH Announced Dated 17 Oct 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2017.</ref>, Deus Ex Moose | + | * 2017: [[Kyell_Gold|Kyell Gold]]<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/787928267164487680 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter, Second 2017 GOH Announced Dated 13 Oct 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2017.</ref>, PJ Saber (aka [[Kaz_(Australia)|Kaz]])<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/786480625389674496 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter, First 2017 GOH Announced Dated 17 Oct 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2017.</ref>, Deus Ex Moose |
* 2018: [[Darren Close]], Luvbites (BearPatrol, Electrixocket), Tracey Butler.<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/891892631906603008 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter, Second 2018 GOH Announced Dated 31 Jul 2017. Retrieved September 28, 2017.</ref> | * 2018: [[Darren Close]], Luvbites (BearPatrol, Electrixocket), Tracey Butler.<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/891892631906603008 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter, Second 2018 GOH Announced Dated 31 Jul 2017. Retrieved September 28, 2017.</ref> | ||
* 2019: [[Foxamoore]], [[Pepper_Coyote|Pepper Coyote]], [[Muttasaur]], [[StuCat]] | * 2019: [[Foxamoore]], [[Pepper_Coyote|Pepper Coyote]], [[Muttasaur]], [[StuCat]] | ||
| Line 146: | Line 160: | ||
* 2022: [[SunsetScorpion]] | * 2022: [[SunsetScorpion]] | ||
* 2023: [https://magicdawolfy.com/ Magicdawolfy], [[Adler the Eagle]] | * 2023: [https://magicdawolfy.com/ Magicdawolfy], [[Adler the Eagle]] | ||
| + | * 2024: [[Toxi_De_Vyne|Toxi De Vyne]], [[Jib_Kodi|Jib Kodi]] | ||
===Charity=== | ===Charity=== | ||
| − | Furry Down Under has sponsored the following charities | + | |
| + | Furry Down Under has sponsored the following [[charities]]: | ||
* 2010: [http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au/ Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors] | * 2010: [http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au/ Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors] | ||
| − | * 2011: | + | * 2011: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors |
| − | * 2012: | + | * 2012: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors |
* 2013: [http://www.awlqld.com.au/ Animal Welfare League of Queensland], raised ~$4,600 AUD<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/305047158452/permalink/10151656794613453/?comment_id=10151656873853453&offset=0&total_comments=4 Comment by FurDU volunteer] on the FurDU Group on [[Facebook]]. Dated April 30, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2014.</ref> | * 2013: [http://www.awlqld.com.au/ Animal Welfare League of Queensland], raised ~$4,600 AUD<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/305047158452/permalink/10151656794613453/?comment_id=10151656873853453&offset=0&total_comments=4 Comment by FurDU volunteer] on the FurDU Group on [[Facebook]]. Dated April 30, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2014.</ref> | ||
| − | * 2014: | + | * 2014: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $4,296.80 AUD<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152142712390945&set=gm.10152481845143453&type=1 Post] on the FurDU Group on [[Facebook]]. Dated May 12, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.</ref> |
| − | * 2015: | + | * 2015: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $5,883.60 AUD<ref>[https://twitter.com/JetDingo/status/595504102819278848 Tweet] by [[Jet Dingo]] on [[Twitter]]. Dated May 5, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2015.</ref> |
| − | * 2016: | + | * 2016: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $3,740 AUD |
| − | * 2017: | + | * 2017: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $4,318.25 AUD |
| − | * 2018: | + | * 2018: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $4,095 AUD |
* 2019: [http://freshstartrescue.wixsite.com/freshstart Fresh Start Rescue], raised $7,000.00 AUD <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartRescue/posts/2367617153295730 Post] from the Fresh Start Rescue Facebook. Dated June 6, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.</ref> | * 2019: [http://freshstartrescue.wixsite.com/freshstart Fresh Start Rescue], raised $7,000.00 AUD <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartRescue/posts/2367617153295730 Post] from the Fresh Start Rescue Facebook. Dated June 6, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.</ref> | ||
| − | * 2021: | + | * 2021: Fresh Start Rescue and [https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/about-us/nsw-rfs-and-brigades-donations-fund The NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades Donations Fund], raised $5,570 AUD <ref>[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/622 FurDU Announcements] message from FurDU's [[Telegram]] channel. Dated/Retrieved December 6, 2022</ref> |
| − | * 2022: [ | + | * 2022: Fresh Start Rescue, raised $7,500.00 AUD <ref>[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/703 FurDU Announcements] screenshot & message from FurDU's [[Telegram]] channel. Dated/Retrieved December 6, 2022</ref> |
| + | * 2023: Fresh Start Rescue, raised $14,000.00 AUD <ref>[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/913 FurDU Announcements] screenshot & message from FurDU's [[Telegram]] channel. Dated/Retrieved May 18, 2023</ref> | ||
===Venues=== | ===Venues=== | ||
| + | |||
Furry Down Under has been held in the following hotel venues; | Furry Down Under has been held in the following hotel venues; | ||
| Line 178: | Line 196: | ||
* 2021: Mantra On View, Gold Coast. | * 2021: Mantra On View, Gold Coast. | ||
* 2022: Mantra On View, Gold Coast. | * 2022: Mantra On View, Gold Coast. | ||
| − | * 2023: Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise | + | * 2023: Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast |
| + | * 2024: Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast | ||
==Organization== | ==Organization== | ||
| − | Since 2016, the FurDU convention has been owned and operated by Furry Down Under, Inc. a registered non-profit association. | + | |
| + | Since 2016, the FurDU convention has been owned and operated by [[Furry Down Under, Inc]]. a registered [[non-profit association]]. | ||
. | . | ||
The association's committee is elected each year in keeping with its rules and bylaws. Elected management committee members are charged with the running of the convention, while also managing the association's general affairs. | The association's committee is elected each year in keeping with its rules and bylaws. Elected management committee members are charged with the running of the convention, while also managing the association's general affairs. | ||
| − | The elected chairman of the association also resides | + | The elected chairman of the association also resides in the FurDU convention as its chairman. |
Prior to its incorporation in 2016, FurDU was owned by the founders; [[Oz Kangaroo]] and [[FlameDrake]], and operated with a volunteer committee of close friends. | Prior to its incorporation in 2016, FurDU was owned by the founders; [[Oz Kangaroo]] and [[FlameDrake]], and operated with a volunteer committee of close friends. | ||
| Line 193: | Line 213: | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
| − | * [http://www. | + | * [http://www.furaffinity.net/user/furdu FurDU] on [[Fur Affinity]] |
| − | * [https://www.facebook.com/groups/305047158452/ FurDU Facebook | + | * [https://www.facebook.com/groups/305047158452/ FurDU] on [[Facebook]] |
| − | * [https://twitter.com/FurDUcon | + | * [https://twitter.com/FurDUcon FurDU] on [[Twitter]] |
| − | + | * [http://community.livejournal.com/furrydownunder/profile FurDU] on [[LiveJournal]] (inactive) | |
| − | * [http://community.livejournal.com/furrydownunder/profile | + | |
| − | + | ||
{{Australia}} | {{Australia}} | ||
| Line 204: | Line 222: | ||
[[Category:Conventions]] | [[Category:Conventions]] | ||
| − | |||
[[Category:Queensland]] | [[Category:Queensland]] | ||
[[Category:Australia]] | [[Category:Australia]] | ||
[[Category:2010 births]] | [[Category:2010 births]] | ||
| + | [[Category:18+ event]] | ||
[[it:FurDU]] | [[it:FurDU]] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:07, 13 May 2024
| Furry Down Under | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | |
| Website | |
| Status | Ongoing |
| First iteration | April 23-25, 2010 |
| Organizer(s) | Furry Down Under Inc. |
| Subject | Furry |
| Resources | Photos, videos, reports: FurDU resources |
| |
| FurDU staff |
| FurDU guests of honor |
Furry Down Under, commonly referred to as FurDU, is a furry convention that is held annually on the Gold Coast, in Queensland, Australia, and is currently the largest, most attended furry convention in the country.
FurDU is currently held at two hotels in Surfers Paradise that are connected to each other, Oaks Gold Coast and Crowne Plaza Gold Coast.
FurDU was first held in the 'Vibe' Hotel, Surfers Paradise, between the 23rd and 25th of April, 2010. The convention was originally intended to be held in Melbourne, but it was later decided during the planning stages (and in conjunction with the original organizers relocating to Queensland) that hosting FurDU on the Gold Coast, a major Australian holiday destination, would prove far more beneficial.
Contents
Programming[edit]
FurDU runs for three days, with programming starting Friday and ending Sunday night (or early into Monday morning). The convention changes its programming each year, these changes are reflected by the addition of new key events and the removal of events that have grown stale in the opinion of the organizers.
Since 2013, the Thursday prior to the start of the convention has become a very popular day for 'pre-con' meet-ups by attendees. In 2014 the Thursday prior to commencement was nicknamed 'Day Zero' by convention organizers even though there was no official programming scheduled for that day.
Art and merchandise[edit]
Since the conventions founding in 2010, FurDU has offered dealers tables for attendees to sell artwork and merchandise. Between 2010 and 2012 due to hotel space restrictions, the dealers area always shared a common area with the main convention space and it was only possible to offer a strictly limited number of table spaces.
While available table spaces improved at the Watermark Hotel in 2012, permitting a larger number of dealers to trade, it wasn't until 2013 with the transition to the Outrigger Hotel that FurDU dealers were for the first time able to be provided with separate designated dealers den in which to trade from.
In 2013 and 2014 the dealers den trading hours were restricted to only two days in order to allocate the dealers room for other convention activities on the third.
As of 2019 onwards, FurDU boasts the largest dedicated market for furry artists in Australia. The Dealers Den operates all three days, with the 2023 convention at Crowne Plaza and Oaks Gold Coast also introducing a more laid back artists alley. FurDU also offers its own art and merchandise at store.FurDU.com.au and in person at con operations.
Fursuiting[edit]
There are several events and other facilities for fursuiters. These events change each year with the program, with the exception of the Fursuit Games, Fursuit Walk, and Fursuit Photography which have been traditionally held since the founding.
The Headless Lounge, an area that only fursuiters can enter where they can freely un-suit and relax, has progressively increased in size each year as the number of fursuiters in attendance has also grown. Between 2010 and 2012 the headless lounge was a simple cordoned-off area with a gazebo set up for privacy, this area usually shared one of the smaller convention spaces such as a game room or chill-out area.
The transition to the Outrigger Hotel in 2013 saw the introduction of a separate 70 square meter self-contained room used only as a dedicated headless lounge. This was the first time that the convention had ever been physically able to allocate a separate room specifically just for Fursuiters. In 2014 the same layout with this dedicated room was repeated, however, the fursuit lounge was scheduled to open later on day one as this room was temporally used to house part of the initial registration queue on Friday morning.
History[edit]
FurDU has been held in the following locations;
| Year | Dates | Attendance | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 23 - 25th Apr | 92 | Vibe Hotel, Surfers Paradise |
| 2011 | 15 - 17th Apr | 150 | Vibe Hotel, Surfers Paradise |
| 2012 | 27 - 29th Apr | 300 | Watermark Hotel, Surfers Paradise |
| 2013 | 26 - 28th Apr | 352 | Outrigger, Surfers Paradise |
| 2014 | 28 - 30th Mar | 563 | Outrigger, Surfers Paradise |
| 2015 | 1 - 3rd May[1] | 490* | Outrigger, Surfers Paradise |
| 2016 | 27 - 29th May | 533 | The Mantra on View (previously called Outrigger), Surfers Paradise |
| 2017 | 5 - 7th May | 600 | The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise |
| 2018 | 4 - 6th May | 680 | The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise |
| 2019 | 31st May - 2nd June | 800 | The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise |
| 2020 | 1 - 3rd May | Postponed* | The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise |
| 2021 | 7 - 9th May | 639 | The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise |
| 2022 | 29th April - 1st May | 899 | The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise |
| 2023 | 12 - 14th May | 1,219 [2] | Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast[3] |
| 2024 | 19 - 21 April [4] | 1,421 | Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast |
*2015: A drop in attendance occurred in 2015, which is believed to be attributed to severe weather closing airports on both the Gold Coast and Brisbane on Friday May 1st, 2015 (the first day of the convention) which resulted in a number of flights being cancelled.
*2020: FurDU 2020 was postponed until 2021 due to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]
Themes[edit]
Furry Down Under features unique theme for each year that it runs. Although the convention has officially been themed since its founding in 2010, this became much more apparent in 2012 during "Carnival" where the venue began to reflect the theme more clearly through the use of stage props, decorations, and theme-specific events. Furry Down Under was postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2010: "The Beach"
- 2011: "Nightlife"
- 2012: "Carnival"
- 2013: "Steampunk - The World Of Tomorrow"
- 2014: "Fhloston Paradise"
- 2015: "Jurassic Safari"[6]
- 2016: "Cartoons - Toon Town"
- 2017: "The Outback" [7]
- 2018: "Film Noir"
- 2019: “Apocalypse - Back To The Beach”
- 2021: "Mad Science" [8]
- 2022: "Pirates"
- 2023: "Retro Gaming - Game On!"
- 2024: "Space - Furbidden Planet"
Special guests[edit]
FurDU first started featuring special guests (usually one local, and one international) as part of the convention content in 2012. Since then, it has featured the following special guests;
- 2012: Actfur On Air, Dustin, Lupie, Anthrax, Matt Hollywood
- 2013: StuCat, Foxamoore
- 2014: SilverFox, Foxamoore, Vurt
- 2015: Jay Stoat, Macroceli
- 2016: Pepper Coyote
- 2017: Kyell Gold[9], PJ Saber (aka Kaz)[10], Deus Ex Moose
- 2018: Darren Close, Luvbites (BearPatrol, Electrixocket), Tracey Butler.[11]
- 2019: Foxamoore, Pepper Coyote, Muttasaur, StuCat
- 2021: Faux Veritas, Skyhigh Studios
- 2022: SunsetScorpion
- 2023: Magicdawolfy, Adler the Eagle
- 2024: Toxi De Vyne, Jib Kodi
Charity[edit]
Furry Down Under has sponsored the following charities:
- 2010: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
- 2011: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
- 2012: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
- 2013: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised ~$4,600 AUD[12]
- 2014: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $4,296.80 AUD[13]
- 2015: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $5,883.60 AUD[14]
- 2016: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $3,740 AUD
- 2017: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $4,318.25 AUD
- 2018: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $4,095 AUD
- 2019: Fresh Start Rescue, raised $7,000.00 AUD [15]
- 2021: Fresh Start Rescue and The NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades Donations Fund, raised $5,570 AUD [16]
- 2022: Fresh Start Rescue, raised $7,500.00 AUD [17]
- 2023: Fresh Start Rescue, raised $14,000.00 AUD [18]
Venues[edit]
Furry Down Under has been held in the following hotel venues;
- 2010: Vibe Hotel, Gold Coast.
- 2011: Vibe Hotel, Gold Coast.
- 2012: Watermark Hotel, Gold Coast.
- 2013: Outrigger Hotel, Gold Coast.
- 2014: Outrigger Hotel, Gold Coast.
- 2015: Outrigger Hotel, Gold Coast.
- 2016: Mantra On View, Gold Coast.
- 2017: Mantra On View, Gold Coast.
- 2018: Mantra On View, Gold Coast.
- 2019: Mantra On View, Gold Coast.
- 2021: Mantra On View, Gold Coast.
- 2022: Mantra On View, Gold Coast.
- 2023: Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast
- 2024: Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast
Organization[edit]
Since 2016, the FurDU convention has been owned and operated by Furry Down Under, Inc. a registered non-profit association. . The association's committee is elected each year in keeping with its rules and bylaws. Elected management committee members are charged with the running of the convention, while also managing the association's general affairs. The elected chairman of the association also resides in the FurDU convention as its chairman.
Prior to its incorporation in 2016, FurDU was owned by the founders; Oz Kangaroo and FlameDrake, and operated with a volunteer committee of close friends.
References[edit]
- ↑ Furry Down Under Announces 2015 Dates & Opens Pre-Registration via FurDU official Facebook group
- ↑ Tweet - FurDU Twitter. Dated/Retrieved May 18, 2023
- ↑ Tweet FurDU announces contract with Oaks Hotel, Gold Coast.
- ↑ Telegram Channel Message FurDU announces FurDU 2024 dates plus upcoming Tails of Terror event.
- ↑ Unfortunately due to the new laws banning gatherings over 500 people, and our concern for attendees health, FurDU will be postponed until 2021 post on Facebook. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
- ↑ Tweet on the FurDU account on Twitter. Dated July 19, 2014. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
- ↑ Tweet from the FurDU Twitter. Dated September 10, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
- ↑ Post from the FurDU Facebook. Dated June 5, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
- ↑ Tweet from the FurDU Twitter, Second 2017 GOH Announced Dated 13 Oct 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
- ↑ Tweet from the FurDU Twitter, First 2017 GOH Announced Dated 17 Oct 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
- ↑ Tweet from the FurDU Twitter, Second 2018 GOH Announced Dated 31 Jul 2017. Retrieved September 28, 2017.
- ↑ Comment by FurDU volunteer on the FurDU Group on Facebook. Dated April 30, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
- ↑ Post on the FurDU Group on Facebook. Dated May 12, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
- ↑ Tweet by Jet Dingo on Twitter. Dated May 5, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
- ↑ Post from the Fresh Start Rescue Facebook. Dated June 6, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
- ↑ FurDU Announcements message from FurDU's Telegram channel. Dated/Retrieved December 6, 2022
- ↑ FurDU Announcements screenshot & message from FurDU's Telegram channel. Dated/Retrieved December 6, 2022
- ↑ FurDU Announcements screenshot & message from FurDU's Telegram channel. Dated/Retrieved May 18, 2023
External links[edit]
- FurDU on Fur Affinity
- FurDU on Facebook
- FurDU on Twitter
- FurDU on LiveJournal (inactive)
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