Tambo Teddies takes home Australian Made Excellence Award

Australian Made licensee Tambo Teddies has been named the winner of the Australian Made Excellence Award at the 2026 Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) Marketing Excellence Awards.

Now in its 44th year, the national awards program celebrates outstanding achievement across Australia’s marketing profession, recognising strategic thinking, creativity, innovation and measurable impact. This year’s awards attracted a record 258 entries across 17 campaign categories and 11 special national award categories.

The Australian Made Campaign proudly sponsored the Australian Made Excellence Award, which recognises licensees that demonstrate excellence in manufacturing, branding and marketing while contributing to the growth and success of Australia’s manufacturing industry.

Tambo Teddies received the award for its Childhood Friends for Life campaign.

Born in the Queensland outback, Tambo Teddies creates distinctive teddy bears and other products from woollen sheepskin. Its range is handcrafted in Tambo and Toowoomba and includes the much-loved Basil, Toby and Bickie bears, along with koalas, echidnas and other uniquely Australian creations.

The winning campaign celebrated the lasting connection between children and their treasured teddy bears while showcasing Tambo Teddies’ commitment to Australian craftsmanship, quality and regional manufacturing.

Tambo Teddies was selected from an impressive list of Australian Made finalists:

• Profile Products (Australia) Pty Ltd | Australian Made Frames: Custom Frame Quality, Made Better
• Magellan Power
• Chameleon Candle Co Pty Ltd | Chameleon Sand Candle
• Capral Aluminium | Crafted With Capral
• Crimsafe | Australian Made, Australian Tough, Australian Proud, That’s Crimsafe
• Ethical Brand Co
• Sandy Snoots | Sandy Snoots Dog Life Jackets
• John Cotton Australia | Perfecting the Art of Sleep 

The finalists reflected the diversity and capability of Australian manufacturers, spanning energy technology, aluminium, homewares, personal care, pet products, bedding and security solutions.

The Australian Made Excellence Award considers quality and authenticity, innovation, sustainability and ethical practices, marketing and engagement, and the broader contribution made to local communities, employment and the Australian Made brand.

The Australian Made Campaign congratulates Tambo Teddies and all the finalists on their achievements and their commitment to promoting genuine Australian products.

View the full list of 2026 AMI Marketing Excellence Award winners