RECOGNISED by 99 per cent of Australians, influencing 89 per cent to preferentially buy products carrying it, and marking its 40year anniversary this year, the green and gold Australian Made logo stands as one of the nation’s most trusted and recognisable country of origin symbols ever to hop across our economic landscape.
Since its launch in 1986, the iconic kangaroo has done far more than sit quietly on packaging, giving Australian producers, makers, processors and manufacturers a clear edge in an increasingly competitive market by offering consumers an unmistakable marker of authenticity that speaks directly to a strong preference for local jobs, Australian knowhow and trusted quality.
Commissioned by the Australian Government, designed by Melbourne graphic designer Ken Cato and famously launched by Prime Minister Bob Hawke, the logo gave shoppers a simple way to identify genuinely Australian made goods at a time when global competition was rapidly intensifying.
As the economy has shifted, so too has the relevance of the logo, which surged anew during COVID when fragile supply chains and empty shelves sharpened the focus on buying local, a mindset that looks set only to deepen as competitive pressures grow.
So, here’s to the Australian Made logo at 40 — a small but mighty symbol that does more than influence choice but rather delivers Australia industry a thumping stamp of confidence.
