Australian radio, podcast and TV host Andy Lee is taking on a new gig as the ambassador for Australian Made Week 2026, taking place 18-24 May.
Mr Lee 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 explains that there’s 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 says.
“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.”
Australian Made CEO Ben Lazzaro says Mr Lee is the perfect fit and choice for an 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 says.
“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.”
Celebrating 40 years
In 2026, the Australian Made logo also turns 40, which Mr Lazzaro says will be celebrated 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 4500 businesses that consider their Australian Made certification as a badge of honour,” he says.
“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.”
