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FOR RADIO | Old Mate Andy steps up as Austra-Lee-an Made Week Ambassador 2026

Soda Communications for Australian Made Campaign Limited

Key Facts:

Key stats:

• This year marks the 40th anniversary of the iconic Australian Made, Australian Grown logo which remains the most trusted country-of-origin symbol in the nation, with 93% of surveyed Australians saying they trust the brand.
• Recent Roy Morgan research shows that if every household spent an additional $20 per week on Australian Made products, it would inject an extra $11 billion into the economy each year and create almost 20,000 new jobs.

He’s one of Australia’s most recognised comedians, an iconic radio, podcast and TV host, an award-winning children’s book writer and one half of the nationally beloved duo Hamish and Andy. Now, Andy Lee is taking on a new gig as the ambassador for Australian Made Week 2026 (taking place 18–24 May).

 

In 2026, the Australian Made logo also turns 40 and today remains the most trusted and widely recognised country-of-origin symbol.

 

Andy will be donning the green and gold to highlight the economic benefits of seeking out and buying products bearing the Australian Made logo and supporting growers, producers and businesses on our home soil.

 

Australian Made Week ambassador Andy Lee explained there is an added feel-good factor that comes with buying Australian-made products.

 

“Choosing to buy locally made goods is a simple habit, but it creates a big impact, from generating and supporting local jobs to boosting local economies,” he said.

 

“I’m a huge advocate for Australian businesses, innovators and entrepreneurs – we have such an immense pool of talented and hard-working people on home soil who we need to support and celebrate.

 

“My business partners and I have made a conscious decision to support Australian product and produce because we know it leads the world in quality as well as safety standards.

 

“I love sharing Australian culture with the world, so I’m super-excited to have the opportunity to spotlight some incredible homegrown favourites and newcomers with the help of the Australian Made team.

 

“Nothing would make me happier than knowing my involvement in Australian Made Week had encouraged people to support our wonderful country and the incredible things our local makers create.”

 

The latest figures from Roy Morgan Research show Australians are as committed as they’ve ever been to supporting local manufacturing and production. Eighty-seven per cent of surveyed consumers said buying Australian is important to them, while 56% state they ‘often’ or ‘always’ buy Australian-made products. Impressively, 99% of Australians aged 18 and over are aware of the Australian Made logo.

 

Australian Made Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro said Andy is the perfect fit and choice for Australian Made Week ambassador.

 

“Andy has been a long-time champion for Australian-made, both here and overseas – passionately supporting and spruiking the best of Aussie manufacturing and production,” he said.

 

“He’s also a homegrown entrepreneur, Aussie business owner and investor, and one of the country’s greatest ‘exports’ who has the admiration of multi-generations for his authenticity, happy-go-lucky attitude and of course humour.

 

“It will be fantastic to have Andy on board as the Australian Made logo reaches its 40-year milestone. Naturally, we will be celebrating this achievement in the Australian way, with a big Aussie BBQ and other fun events and activities.

 

“During Australian Made Week, we’ll be highlighting the stories of some of the people behind the 4,500 businesses that consider their Australian Made certification as a badge of honour.”

 

“There’s an Australian Made option in just about every product category you can think of, from high-end health and beauty products to industrial materials, which is why in 2026 we’re encouraging Aussies to ‘swap their shop’, and consciously choose Australian Made when buying everyday items like groceries, household goods and clothing as well as big-ticket purchases such as furniture and bed mattresses.”

 

Learn more about Australian Made Week and find genuine Aussie products at australianmadeweek.com.au and sign up to the Aussie Made Club to stay up-to-date about special offers, exclusive deals, prize competitions and the latest Australian Made news. Also share your Australian Made purchases on social media using #AustralianMadeWeek.

 

About us:

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MADE, AUSTRALIAN GROWN LOGO

 The green-and-gold Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) logo is the only registered country-of-origin certification trademark for the full range of genuine Australian products and produce. It has been helping Australian consumers, farmers, processors and manufacturers for forty years.

 

The AMAG logo can only be used on products registered with the not-for-profit organisation Australian Made Campaign Limited. The strict set of rules governing the logo’s use also requires that it must always be used with one of five descriptors: ‘Australian Made,’ ‘Australian Grown,’ ‘Product of Australia,’ ‘Australian Seafood’ or ‘Australian’ (for export use only). To use the logo, goods must meet the criteria set out in Australian Consumer Law as well as the more stringent Australian Made, Australian Grown Logo Code of Practice. Approximately 4,500 businesses are registered to use the AMAG logo, which can be found on thousands of products sold worldwide.

Contact details:

MEDIA CONTACT

Karen Strahan  Soda Communications | M: 0417 361 465 | E: [email protected] 

 

Chriss Mannix Soda Communications|

M: 0418 408 05 |

E: [email protected]

 

Emily Stojsevski Soda Communications | M: 0409 552 913 | 

E: [email protected]