Australia Day 2016: 5 times Tasmania got map-scrapped
Woolworths’ navy-coloured hats, featuring the Australia map, have become an epic Australia Day 2016 failure. The company, in an attempt to get its customers in the Australia Day spirit, has done something Tasmanians have unfortunately become used to. Yes, Woolworths left out the island state of the Commonwealth of Australia from its hats, resulting in widespread public outrage.
The company’s Facebook page was flooded with angry and frustrated comments.
“Woolworths is aware of the issue and in the process of withdrawing the product from our supermarket shelves,” said a Woolworths’ spokesman.
However, Woolworths’ Australia Day 2016 failure has brought to the fore other events where Tasmania was mercilessly scrapped from the Australia map.
Missing Tasmania in 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games
In 1982, Tasmanians were livid after performers formed the map of Australia during Brisbane Commonwealth Games but omitted Tasmania.
Source: YouTube/ Aussie TV of the Eighties and Nineties
Missing Tasmania in 2014 Commonwealth Games uniform
The Apple Isle was left out from the official uniform. The map of Australia was repeatedly used on the Speedo design but Tasmania was missing. Even if it was there, it was obscured by marsupials. Seven athletes represented Tasmania in the Games and the people were not happy about the blunder, reported News.com.au in July 2014.
“I hope that it was an oversight and not deliberate. Tasmania also disappeared from Olympic medals and posters for Baz Luhrmann’s movie Australia, so it’s very disappointing that the same oversight has happened a number of times,” said Tasmania senator Jacqui Lambie.
Source: YouTube/ SportsHD
Missing Tasmania in Baz Luhrmann's film “Australia”
A run of the film’s poster had to be reprinted as Tasmania was map-scrapped from the movie poster bearing the map of Australia. However, instead of shying away from the controversy, Tasmania Tourism came up with the ad campaign: “Tasmania Bigger than Australia.”
Source: YouTube/ Discover Tasmania
Missing Tasmania in Arnott's Australia Day Shape biscuits
While Tasmania was seen on the Arnott’s Shapes box, the biscuits excluded the island state.
“Some might say that's the way the cookie crumbles but it would have been nice to see Tasmania receive the recognition it deserves on such an important day,” said acting Tasmania Premier Bryan Green.