Petition to get Steve Irwin on Aussie currency is really, really popular
The very Australian environmentalist, Steve Irwin might not be the first person you think of when you think of Australia's banknotes.
That sort of prime position has been reserved for venerable and historical figures, like royals or opera singers.
But a petition to get Irwin, who died in 2006 from a stingray attack, on the currency is starting to gather serious steam. The Change.org campaign has surpassed its target of 25,000 signatures and the plan is to deliver it to Royal Australian Mint.
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Behind the petition is Kyle Ryan, 16, from the city of Melbourne, as well his friends Jake Ryan, Daniel Brown, Luke Brown and Riley McConville. They're determined to get their proposal through, even if they have had doubters.
"We are serious, but no one took us seriously until the petition gained some traction," Kyle told Mashable via email.
The current Australian banknotes are "outdated," and a modern icon like Irwin is perfect to replace the personalities that currently adorn the country's currency, they say.
"The new generation needs someone they can look up to and Steve is the perfect person. Not only does he have an amazing career in the entertainment industry, but he created the group Wildlife Warriors which aims to protect and preserve wildlife and fauna in Australia," Kyle said.
He also cited that a species of turtle named after Irwin and other plaudits are reasons why the Crocodile Hunter should be on Australia's money. The group has been "extremely surprised" at the traction the petition has received.
"It is a constantly growing petition and we are always open to as much support as possible," Kyle said.
We're not sure if the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) take requests, but have approached the RBA for comment anyway.
