Ian Coate Illustrations

Aussie Gnomes

I had an absolute ball designing a range of Aussie Gnomes for Bunnings Warehouse Australia, all inspired by the larrikins we know and love across the country. The original spark came from the creative mind of Darren at Crossmark—clearly someone who understands the national character.
The range includes Bogan, Sheila, Beach-Bum and Barbequing Gnomes, among others. Each one is a small, slightly questionable tribute to everyday larrikin life.
The gnomes made their debut as part of Bunnings’ Spring Garden Range in 2025 and quickly caused a bit of a stir. They attracted plenty of attention which you can read more about in the article below.

Aussie Gnomes by Ian Coate
The Illustrator Reprographic
 Ink line work (colours added later).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back to Top
Military Symbols for Operation Desert Storm Presentation
The Finished Garden Statues

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back to Top
Recruiting Poster for Cadets by Ian Coate
A Pallet of Gnomes at Bunnings

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We received some great media attention with Aussie Gnomes
Below is one of the articles that came out about the buzz.

Bunnings’ latest garden range is peak Australian culture: See why
By Floralyn Teodoro
The new garden collection is part of a limited promotion. Image Source: Shutterstock / Stepan Skorobogadko
In the Land Down Under, a new craze has taken over the backyards and gardens of many homes. It’s not a new plant species or a revolutionary gardening tool—it’s a collection of garden gnomes, each with a distinct Australian character that’s causing quite the stir online. 
Bunnings Warehouse, the popular home improvement and outdoor living retailer, has just released a new range of garden gnomes that are as Australian as Vegemite on toast, and shoppers are loving it. Priced at $12.98 each, these aren’t your ordinary, run-of-the-mill gnomes. They’re a celebration of culture, humour, and the laid-back lifestyle that Australians are known for. The collection features a lineup of characters that could easily be found at any local pub or beach, each with their quirky traits and iconic attires.
The range includes Stevo the croc-wrangler gnome, Jacko the fishing gnome, Rocko the bikie gnome, Macca the council worker gnome, Jonno the BBQ gnome, Gazza the beach-bum gnome, and Bazza the bogan gnome.
But it’s not just the men who are getting in on the action. Flora the gardener gnome is there too, representing the green thumbs of the nation. Meanwhile, Shazza the Sheila gnome is holding a beer and sporting an Akubra and tank top, ready for a good time.
The attention to detail on these gnomes is what’s really driving Australians wild. From the choice of clothing to the accessories and poses, each gnome tells a story that resonates with the Australian way of life. It’s a humourous nod to the stereotypes and characters that make up the rich tapestry of the country’s society.
The excitement around these gnomes first took off when a shopper named Skye shared a social media video showcasing the collection at her local Bunnings. The video quickly caught the attention of fellow Australians expressing their eagerness to get their hands on these unique garden dwellers. 
Comments flooded in from people identifying with the gnomes, from council workers to florists, and from those who simply appreciate a bit of Australian humour.
‘Man, I wasn’t going to spend money on unnecessary things this week… oh well,’ quipped one commenter.
‘I thought that the village people were in it,’ joked another. A third person wrote, ‘Love to put one of these at Gnomesville.’
‘As a council worker, I want one,’ commented someone else, while a different commenter echoed, ‘[I] will check out, I need Flora. As I’m a florist.’
Skye herself couldn’t resist the charm of the gnomes, returning to the store to pick up a few for her garden. In a follow-up post, she showed off her new acquisitions—Flora, Shazza, Rocko, and Macca—each looking perfectly at home among her plants and flowers.
Bunnings has a history of tapping into the Australian spirit with their gnome ranges, having previously released Bluey gnomes in a nod to the popular children’s TV show. 
This latest collection, however, has struck a particular chord with the public, with Bunnings’ general manager of merchandise, Adam Cole, noting the gnomes’ popularity and hinting at the possibility of future stock updates based on customer demand.
‘Our Aussie Statue Gnomes hit shelves a few weeks ago at various stores across Australia, and we’re pleased to see they’re already loved by customers. The Gnomes are available as part of a limited promotion, so will only be available until sold out. But, we are always guided by customer demand, and will notify customers of any future stock updates,’ he said.
For those interested in adding these gnomes to their gardens, it’s advised to act quickly. Given the buzz they’ve generated, it’s likely they’ll be scooped up faster than a cold drink on a hot day.
What do you think, our YourLifeChoices readers? Will you be adding one of these gnomes to your garden? Share your thoughts and let us know in the comments below which gnome you’d choose to keep you company in your outdoor oasis.

 

Illustrations of Ian CoateIan Coate RatesVarious Projects by Ian Coate