We miss the days of tuning in to see Steve Irwin The Crocodile Hunter.
The wacky wildlife expert was one of the brightest personalities on television and got a generation of kids thinking about nature in a fun and engaging way. He is perhaps the most famous conservationist for people of a certain age.
Unfortunately, while filming a series called Ocean’s Deadliest, Irwin was killed when a sting ray stabbed him through the chest with its tail after he had approached it from behind for a scene.
That incident took place on September 4, 2006 – and now, ten years on from his death, there is a petition to have Irwin’s likeness including on the currency of his homeland, Australia.
A petition titled ‘Put Steve Irwin on the Australian currency’ has racked up more than 23,000 signatures at the time of writing, and even includes a mock up of what the currency might look like.
It reads:
‘It’s about time we payed our respects to the all time greatest Australian bloke, Steve Irwin. Let’s make a change for something in the history of our country. It’s been ten years without the Aussie icon and although he’s been recognised in many ways I’d imagine we could all support the idea of going one step further (well deserved). With a list a mile long of all the good Steve had accomplished in our world let’s show our appreciation to a great true blue Australian by putting Stephen ‘Steve’ Irwin on our country’s currency.
‘Only everyone’s support can make this happen!’
The petition was started by Australians Kyle Ryan, Jake Ryan, Luke Brown, Daniel Brown and Riley McConville, and the group have also set up a Facebook event to try and gather extra support.
The Royal Australian Mint have asked the group to submit a formal request to have Irwin enshrined on an commemorative coin, an honour usually reserved only for members of the British royal family, although exceptions can be made.
Royal Australian Mint chief executive Ross MacDiarmid said:
“The Royal Australian Mint has acknowledged the integral role that Mr Irwin played in wildlife conservation as well as his positive influence on Australian culture by producing a special release commemorative collectible coin in 2009
“This petition has further highlighted the passion throughout a sub-section of the Australian community to recognise Mr Irwin and we invite those who are leading the cause to familiarise themselves with our coin theme policy (as published on our website) and submit a written proposal to us directly for consideration.”
You can sign the petition here or join the Facebook event page here.
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