Brisbane 2032 Launches Pink Cockatoo Emblem for Olympics, Paralympics

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games officially unveiled their new emblem on Monday, choosing a pink cockatoo to represent the event after the design was accidentally leaked online days before its scheduled launch.

The cockatoo emerged ahead of other Australian animal contenders, including the kangaroo, koala and “bin chicken”, a nickname for the Australian white ibis. The emblem features a stylised pink cockatoo, with its design incorporating the shape of Queensland and colours inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic flame.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the emblems reflect the character of the city and its lifestyle. He described Brisbane as vibrant, resilient, connected, friendly and playful, adding that the designs also symbolise the growing excitement around the Games as the city prepares to welcome visitors from around the world.

Organisers said the emblems also incorporate First Nations elements, with cockatoos carrying cultural significance as messengers connecting people with place, stories and ceremonies. The emblem is separate from the official Games mascot, which will be unveiled closer to the event.

The design had already generated considerable attention before Monday’s official launch. An explainer video intended to be released after a planned ceremonial event briefly appeared on the Brisbane 2032 YouTube channel on Friday night. Screenshots of the emblem and accompanying information quickly spread across social media.

Brisbane 2032 vice president Tim Mander and chief marketing officer Brent Hill later described the accidental release as an unexpected but positive development. Hill said the leak generated substantial publicity for the Games.

Brisbane 2032 chairman Andrew Liveris said the emblems would help promote the region and encourage people worldwide to visit, invest and become part of the Games. Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski, chair of the IOC coordination commission for Brisbane 2032, called the designs a vibrant expression of the region’s character.

The Games will be centred in Brisbane, while competitions will also be held in cities including the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Australia previously hosted the Summer Olympics in Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000.