Does this idea belong in the bin? Debate erupts as Australia’s humble Ibis is touted to become the mascot for Brisbane’s Olympic games
- The ibis has been touted as a possible mascot for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics
- The suggestion was made by Queensland Sports Minister Sterling Hinchliffe
- Many Aussies slammed the idea of having the bin chicken represent the country
The ibis has been flagged as a top mascot contender for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, but not everyone’s impressed with the idea of having the ‘bin chicken’ represent the country.
Queensland Sports Minister Sterling Hinchliffe said he would be open to the ‘bin chicken’ representing Australia at the Olympics, when the iconic event is held in Brisbane for the first time.
The minister says he has ‘soft touch’ for the famed long-legged bird that’s known for fishing scraps out of garbage bins.
The ibis (pictured) has been flagged as a top mascot contender for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, but many Australians have slammed the idea of having the ‘bin chicken’ represent the country
Queensland Sports Minister Sterling Hinchliffe (pictured) touted the ibis as an Olympic ambassador when asked what mascots would be put forward for the Games
‘As the Member for Sandgate, I’ve got a quiet sort of soft-touch for the idea that the ibis might play a role,’ he said.
‘And I know there’s plenty of Queenslanders who think that’s something that might be appropriate as well.’
Mr Hinchliffe says the idea is only a suggestion at this stage as the Olympic Games are still 10 years away, and it will be left in the hands of a committee to make the final call.
‘But the reality is this is something that we can work on as a community to help tell our story to the globe, and we’ll do that together.’
However, Hinchliffe’s suggestion has sparked a furious debate, with many Aussies criticising the proposal.
‘You cannot have a bin chicken as a mascot. No debate necessary,’ one said.
On Twitter, many used pictures and videos of bin chickens standing or sorting through garbage to further illustrate their argument that the bird was not an appropriate choice to represent Australia.
‘Everyone already thinks we’re a country of bogans,’ a user wrote. ‘The mere consideration of the bin chicken being an Olympic mascot is next level sh*t’.
Mr Hinchliffe says the idea is only a suggestion at this stage as the Olympic Games are still 10 years away, and it will be left in the hands of a committee to make the final call. Pictured: Brisbane
‘You cannot have a bin chicken as a mascot. No debate necessary,’ wrote one user adamantly
A couple of Aussies on Twitter used pictures and videos of bin chickens standing or sorting through garbage to further illustrate their point
Others suggested that the koala would be a better choice as a mascot for commercial reasons.
‘Commercially the Koala will make better sense and sell more soft toys!’ one person commented.
However, there were a few Aussies who believe the ibis would be a great choice for the Brisbane Games.
‘Obviously the ibis for Olympic mascot as it will survive us. The koala is on borrowed time, especially in New South Wales,’ one Aussie joked.
Another tweeted: ‘It seems like Brisbane is considering using the dirty “bin chicken” as its mascot for the 2032 Olympics.
‘At least tourists will be able to identify what stole their lunch when they see it flying off gripped firmly in a bird’s beak.’
‘I’m 100% on team ibis. Perfect Olympic mascot,’ added a third.
One person suggested that the koala would be a better choice as a mascot for commercial reasons
However, there were a few users who believe the ibis would be a great choice for the Brisbane Games, with one stating the koala is already an endangered species
Syd the platypus, Olly the kookaburra and Millie the echidna were Australia’s first Olympic mascots at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games
Mascots have been a part of the Olympic Games since the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Syd the platypus, Olly the kookaburra and Millie the echidna were Australia’s first Olympic mascots at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
Lizzy the frill-necked lizard was the mascot for the 2000 Paralympics.
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