Indigenous artwork will be showcased at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games ©Jabiru Australi

Gold Coast 2018 have signed local indigenous products manufacturer Jabiru Australia as an official gift supplier for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Products made by the company will be made available in retail stores and official Gold Coast 2018 outlets throughout Australia in the build-up to the event in April 2018.

This marks one of more than 1,800 contracts awarded by Australian officials  to companies with a "Gold Coast presence".

It is being hailed as a major opportunity to showcase the work of Aboriginal artists to Australia and to visitors from around the world.

"One hundred per cent of all design, creation, artwork and paintings are done by indigenous Australians," said Jabiru Australia director John Palombo.

"We will be producing gift boxed boomerangs, pottery and vases, didgeridoos and exclusive pewter products, including keyrings, badges, hat pins, drinking glasses and pendants."

Each individual item goes through a "four-step quality control process - from creation of the initial artwork to the final product presentation" - before it can be sold.

Gold Coast 2018 chairman Peter Beattie said he is very pleased to see Indigenous designs featuring so prominently on their souvenirs and gifts.

"It’s great to see the work of Indigenous artists combined with GC2018 branding to promote the event and the talent of the artists," he said.

"And an important part of the sub-licensee process is to ensure each manufacturer meets various ethical principles to make sure the highest quality products are made available for GC2018 spectators and fans from around the world.

"Jabiru, along with all manufacturers, must comply to ethical guidelines, including sourcing supply chains, health and safety processes and the disclosure of any sub-contracted suppliers to ensure a sustainable production process and to protect product quality.

"This is a golden opportunity for a local business to grow an international audience and a great example of the lasting legacy the Games will deliver for Gold Coast operators beyond the 2018 event."

Sporting events have previously been seen as a good opportunity to build bridges with indigenous communities in Australia, particularly when 400 metres runner Cathy Freeman won a stunning home Olympic gold medal at Sydney 2000.