Borobi - the indigenous Yugambeh language word for koala - will play a key role in welcoming the athletes of the world and bringing to life the true spirit of the Games, Australian officials claimed. 

It is the first time a koala has been chosen as the mascot of a major Australian multi-sport event, organisers claimed.

Borobi arrived for the announcement on the Gold Coast's Burleigh Heads Beach by helicopter, exactly two years to the day until the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, during an event broadcast live on Channel 7's Sunrise. 

A competition was held to design the mascot, with entries open to all Australians.

The winner was Brisbane school teacher Merrilyn Krohn.

The design brief called for an "authentic, inspirational, fun, vibrant, positive and energetic" original character.

Krohn's design was then finessed by Brisbane designers SapientNitro and animation specialists Cutting Edge.

“An idea came to mind as soon as I heard about the competition and I just spent the rest of the day drawing the design,” Krohn said.

“I add drawings into my teaching. It’s part of connecting with the children and having a laugh with them.

“I need to have them draw for their inspiration and that leads on to their writing and their creativity.

“If I can demonstrate something to them through drawing, it all follows on from there."

Quensland's Commonwealth Games Minister Stirling Hinchliffe claimed Borobi has enormous appeal and is proving an instant hit.

“Borobi is a very special and unique koala whose personality embodies all the values of the Gold Coast and the Australian way of life,” he said.

“He is fun, approachable, determined, passionate and active.

“There is no doubt he will become an endearing personality of GC2018 and hugely popular with people of all ages."

Hinchliffe revealed that koalas were a popular choice for many who entered the mascot design competition.

“A large number of koala drawings were submitted in the competition, more than any other animal, proving just how popular this iconic Australian marsupial is and what a great choice we’ve made in Borobi."