JETAA NSW MASCOT DESIGN COMPETITION RESULTS
Thank you to everyone who entered the JETAA NSW Mascot Design Competition!
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…
1st place
Flatty
Designed by Paul Essing
Biography
Animal: Great White Shark
Birthday: August 18th, 2025
Blood type: O
Favourite food: Flat white, avocado on toast
Background: While many imagine Australia as a land of scary sharks and other bitey things, Flatty is here to prove that first impressions can be deceiving— just like the ‘scary’ language barrier.
With his big smile and warm heart, Flatty’s on a mission to show everyone that real connections are friendly and welcoming, just like a good flat white coffee!
2nd Place
Yukari
Biography
Background: Yukari, named after the Japanese for Eucalypt, likes to eat gum leaves and sakura mochi.
Born on May 8th (“Mate” day) she loves travelling to japan in Golden Week for Celebrations.
3rd Place
B.B and Gugu
Biography
Background: BB is a pretty chill platypus, occasionally seen with his friend Gugu on his head. He wears a blue happi with the NSW JETAA logo.
His name is BB, short for Bundaburra (meaning platypus)
Honorable Mentions
Jetchu
Biography
Background: Born under a gum tree during a thunderstorm, Jetchuu is quiet and a little shy, but quirky and ready to tackle new things.
No challenge is too great for this sprightly mouse. After visiting Japan, it fell in love with bento boxes, festivals and convenience store ice cream.
Since then, it has traveled between the two countries spreading joy, cheese and a bit of JET-powered chaos.
Kimono Cutie
Biography
Background: Say hello to Kimono Cutie, an adorable Australian echidna with a love for sushi and spreading Joy!
She proudly wears her kimono as she travels between Japan and NSW, always ready with a smile.
With her chopsticks as spikes that help her grab sushi, she is known for her cheerful spirit.
Fisho
Biography
Background: Fisho is a koinobori representing the adoption of Japanese Culture into Australia.
His pattern is that of a soy sauce fish, a recognisable symbol to Australians, indicating most Australians’ first introduction to Japanese Culture, the food.
The fish symbol is also symbolic of NSW’s connection to the sea; our great beaches, the first arrival, and seafood – as well as Japan’s connection to the sea; like the Great wave of Kanagawa, cuisine, and culture like kodomonohi matsuri.
Yuko
Biography
Background: Yuko is a gentle little friend who blends the charm of Japan with the warmth of Australia.
With a soft onigiri-shaped body and fluffy koala ears, she’s always ready to share her favourite treat – eucalyptus mochi.
The dotted patterns on her are a tribute to Aboriginal art, showing her respect for the land’s deep cultural roots.
Always up for a laugh, adventure and making new connections – Yuko is a friend to all!