Bunji – Our Little Mate with Big Olympic Dreams!

Sometimes dreams take a slightly different path than you imagined, but that doesn’t mean you stop dreaming!

When we created Bunji the Koala, we had one big ambition – to see our gorgeous Australian-made sheepskin koala become the official mascot of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bunji, meaning friend or mate, seemed the perfect fit. After all, what could be more Australian than a cuddly koala, lovingly handcrafted in regional Queensland, representing friendship, mateship and the Australian spirit?

However, we received some rather interesting feedback. We were told Bunji probably didn’t stand a chance of becoming the official mascot because the Games needed an Olympic mascot, not a Tambo Teddies mascot.

In other words, Bunji and our Tambo Teddies brand recognition were perhaps a little too strong!

We weren’t quite sure whether to be disappointed or flattered!

Then, when the beautiful cockatoo appeared as part of the Brisbane 2032 emblem, we started wondering whether the eventual mascot might follow a similar direction. And yes, we think the cockatoo is beautiful!

So, rather than keeping Bunji waiting in the wings, we decided it was time to let our wonderful supporters have a Bunji of their very own.

Bunji is now available to purchase!

Made from beautiful camel-coloured Australian sheepskin, with cream ears and an olive-green ribbon, our special little mate is ready for cuddles and adventures.

But don’t think for a moment we’ve given up on our Olympic dreams!

We would still dearly love the opportunity to manufacture the official Brisbane 2032 mascot, whatever character is chosen.

A cockatoo? We can make a cockatoo!

We have the talented team, the sewing machines, the craftsmanship and more than 30 years of experience making Australian-made soft toys. We might need a little more space, and perhaps a few more machines, but those are challenges we’re more than happy to tackle.

Imagine the Olympic mascot being manufactured right here in regional Queensland, creating jobs, supporting Australian manufacturing and showcasing our country’s incredible craftsmanship to the world.

From Tambo to the World – that’s still our dream!

All we’re asking for is the opportunity.

Brisbane 2032, just give us a go!

And in the meantime, Bunji is ready to become your very own special little mate – a childhood friend for life.