Gold Coast 2018 mascot Borobi has proved to be an instant hit with the Australian public ©Gold Coast 2018

Borobi , the bright blue koala chosen by Gold Coast 2018 as the mascot for the Commonwealth Games, seems to have made a favourable early impression.

A survey by the local newspaper, the Gold Coast Bulletin, found that 55 per cent of those polled were in favour of the surfing koala.

Of the rest, 30 per cent of respondents said they did not like Borobi, with more than 12 per cent undecided.

Singer Samantha Jade, winner of fourth season of The X Factor Australia in 2012 and one of the guests at the unveiling of Borobi, said a koala was the perfect choice.

“He’s amazing, he looks great,” she told the Gold Coast Bulletin. 

“Who here doesn’t love him?”

Borobi performed for crowds of thousands in routine aired live on Channel 7's Sunrise programme after being officially unveiled to the public at a ceremony held to coincide with two years until the Opening Ceremony of Gold Coast 2018. 

The opportunity to have your picture taken with Borobi was one many people could not resist ©Gold Coast 2018
The opportunity to have your picture taken with Borobi was one many people could not resist ©Gold Coast 2018

Gold Coast 2018 chairman Nigel Chamier was delighted with the positive reaction that Borobi, designed by Brisbane school teacher Merrilyn Krohn, received.

“Mascots have become iconic symbols of the Commonwealth Games, providing an emotional connection between athletes, spectators and the community,” Chamier said.

“When we challenged the Australian community to design the GC2018 mascot we were not only overwhelmed by the response and quality of the entries, but by the excitement that was generated by the very chance to create the personality of the Games.

“Borobi joins two very memorable mascots from previous Commonwealth Games hosted in Australia, Matilda at the Brisbane 1982 Commonwealth Games and Melbourne 2006’s Karak, a south-eastern red-tailed black cockatoo.

“As the Commonwealth gets to know Borobi and his life story over the coming two years, they will be carried along on his exciting journey.

“And through him they will discover the wonderful values of the Gold Coast and the Australian way of life."

Australia's Chef de Mission for Gold Coast 2018, Steve Moneghetti, second right, was among those who welcomed Borobi after he was officially unveiled ©Gold Coast 2018
Australia's Chef de Mission for Gold Coast 2018, Steve Moneghetti, second right, was among those who welcomed Borobi after he was officially unveiled ©Gold Coast 2018

David Grevemberg, chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, looked beyond Borobi's cuteness and claimed he would play an important role in the success of Gold Coast 2018. 

“Borobi will connect athletes, sport and the Games with young people and communities; but far more than a cuddly icon, he’ll promote Australia and powerful messages about its natural and aboriginal heritage to the world,” he said.