It’s official: Ambassador Andy for Austra-Lee-an Made Week

Andy Lee is 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.

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

Australian Made Week, from 18-24 May 2026, will celebrate that special milestone, with our exclusive celebration taking pride of place on May 21.

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.

He 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.”

Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Sally Curtain welcomed the announcement of Andy Lee as ambassador, and reinforced the Chamber’s commitment to backing Australian Made.
 
“Backing Australian Made isn’t just a feel-good decision - it’s an economic one. Every dollar spent on locally made products supports jobs, strengthens supply chains and keeps our economy moving.

"Manufacturing remains the backbone of Victoria’s economy, and we have the capability, the talent and the infrastructure to lead the nation in advanced manufacturing - but that only works if we continue to back our local producers.

“We know from national data that Australians want to support local - with 87 per cent saying it matters to them - and initiatives like Australian Made Week help turn that sentiment into action. In times of global uncertainty, there’s never been a more important moment to invest in our own capability, to make more here, grow more here and back the businesses that keep Victoria strong.

“With tens of thousands of new manufacturing roles forecast over the next decade, this is a sector with real momentum - and real opportunity for Victoria.

“We are so excited to be working with Andy Lee, who is the perfect choice as an ambassador. He connects with Australians in a genuine way, and that’s exactly what this campaign is about: real people backing real Australian businesses.

"Our event is about celebration, but it also brings industry, government and business together to have a real conversation about how we grow manufacturing in Victoria and make sure local businesses are set up to succeed.”

Local commitment

The latest figures from Roy Morgan Research show Australians are as committed as they’ve ever been to supporting local manufacturing and production.

• 87% of surveyed consumers said buying Australian is important to them
• 56% state they ‘often’ or ‘always’ buy Australian-made products.
• 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

Join the Victorian Chamber for an exclusive celebration of Australian Made Week 2026 and spotlight on the future of Australian manufacturing – featuring Andy Lee as the brand ambassador for Australian Made Week.

Delivered in partnership with Australian Made, guests will hear from Andy Lee; Colin Brooks MP, Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing and Creative Industries; Ben Lazzaro, Chief Executive of Australian Made; and other leading voices from Victoria’s manufacturing sector.

Register today

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.