Olympic swimming champion Ariarne Titmus is throwing her support behind homegrown businesses as the ambassador for Australian Made Week, running from 19 to 25 May – an initiative that highlights the value of supporting Australian manufacturing.
Titmus, affectionately known as “Arnie,” is championing the campaign’s signature green and gold kangaroo logo – a well-known symbol of genuine Australian products – and urging consumers to consider the broader impact of their purchasing decisions.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the backing of Australians throughout my swimming career, and it’s made all the difference,” Titmus said.
“Now, I’m encouraging everyone to rally behind Team Aussie by choosing Australian Made. Because when we back each other, we all win.”
The campaign, spearheaded by the Australian Made Campaign, aims to spotlight the value of supporting local makers, growers and manufacturers.
Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro said the week serves as a reminder of the economic and community benefits of buying Australian-made goods.
“Australian Made Week is an opportunity for us to become more conscious about our purchases – because when we support our local makers, growers, farmers and manufacturers over imported goods, we all benefit,” Lazzaro said.
New research from Roy Morgan reveals that 73 per cent of Australians are willing to purchase more locally made products to reduce reliance on imports, and 72 per cent are prepared to pay more for Australian-made items.
Lazzaro said even small changes in consumer behaviour could have a substantial national impact.
“If every household spent just $10 more a week on Australian Made products, we’d inject an extra $5.6 billion into our economy and generate around 10,000 new jobs,” he said.
The Australian Made logo, used by over 4,500 businesses across the country, is recognised by 99 per cent of Australians. Lazzaro described it as a trusted symbol for consumers seeking to verify a product’s local origins.
“It’s one of the most recognised symbols in the country and is proudly displayed by businesses to highlight their product’s Australian origin,” he said.
“These businesses represent around 40,000 jobs and contribute approximately $8 billion in annual revenue.”
The same research showed 84 per cent of Australians would be more likely to buy a product if they knew it was made locally.
Other findings highlighted that 50 per cent of those willing to pay more for Australian-made products would pay up to 10 per cent extra. Female consumers and those in regional areas were found to be more likely to choose locally made goods.
Titmus underscored the role of everyday purchases in supporting Australian industries.
“Whether it’s skincare or safety equipment, curtains or campervans – we can all play our part in giving Australian businesses a true home-ground advantage,” she said.
To find out more about Australian Made Week, visit www.australianmadeweek.com.au.
Businesses seeking to apply for the use of the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo can visit www.australianmade.com.au/apply.
