Page 11 - NLN March 19

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF
ICONIC AUSSIE TV SHOW MR SQUIGGLE

The Royal Australian Mint (the Mint) is commemorating 60 years of one of Australia’s most loved
TV characters, Mr Squiggle, with the release of limited edition coins in Woolworths supermarket
registers from today.
Four $2 coin designs, with one released each week, have been produced by the Mint with depictions
of Mr Squiggle and his friends Gus the Snail, Bill the Steam Shovel and Blackboard.
Assistant Minister for Treasury and Finance, Zed Seselja, said “Since first appearing on TV screens
across Australia in 1959, Mr Squiggle has entertained millions, including me when I was growing
up, with his impressive drawings and inquisitive nature.”
“I am thrilled Australians will be able to celebrate Mr Squiggle through this collector coin series, a
tribute to a character well-loved in Australian culture. The vibrant colours and intricate illustrations
on the coins capture the fun and wonder that Mr Squiggle brought to Australian households for
decades.”
Rebecca Hetherington, daughter of Mr Squiggle creator, Norman Hetherington said “lt’s such an
honour to have the Royal Australian Mint and Woolworths immortalise my father’s work in this
unique way.
“The coins perfectly represent Mr Squiggle’s fun and imaginative view of the world, attributes he
shared with my father. I’m excited to share this opportunity with Australians who have grown up
with him and remember him fondly, and also to introduce Mr Squiggle to a new generation.”
Woolworths General Manager of Programs, Rod Evenden said; “We are pleased to be able to help
celebrate 60 years of such an iconic character loved by so many of our customers.
“The $2 coins will only be in our registers for a limited time, so as Blackboard says, ‘hurry up’ if you
want to get your hands on your own piece of Mr Squiggle memorabilia.”
There will be a staggered release of the commemorative coins over the coming weeks, with the first
$2 coin design to be released in Woolworths registers nationwide from today.
There will also be a limited release of a collectable coin album at a cost of $15, which in addition to
the four $2 coins, will also include two $1 coins and a special 1 cent coin.
The release of the Mr Squiggle coin collection follows previous coin collections at Woolworths
including Possum Magic, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and Rio 2016 Olympic and
Paralympic Games.
The Mr Squiggle coin collection is available for purchase 13 February 2019 on the Mint’s online
store, Woolworths’ website or by phoning 1300 652 020.

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