Phil gets frisked in customs

After two sleepless nights in a customs cell, Phil the Phoenix has finally arrived on Australian soil. The University's official mascot flew across the Pacific Ocean from China in a bid to join in the 40th Anniversary celebrations.

A cartoon impression of the University crest, the soft toy phoenix was designed by USQ lecturer and local artist, Damian Kamholtz, and will head a year long photographic competition.

The Where's Phil? Photo Competition commences this month and enables staff, students, alumnus and members of the community to be a part of the University's 40th Anniversary celebrations, regardless of where they live in the world.

Damien said although his work is not caricature, he had a lot of fun designing Phil.

'It's been really interesting to see my drawings of Phil come to life. I drew three impressions of him from the top, front and back and he looks just like them.

'I had originally done it more conventionally - with button eyes and corduroy on the chest, but it went through a series of changes.

'It was tricky trying to turn the USQ emblem into a stuffed toy. I drew him a number of times - at one stage he looked like a chicken.

'I wasn't overprotective of my designs so I was happy to work with what they wanted.'

As well as teaching at the University, Damien runs an art company called Play on Play, which aims to introduce children to art and creativity,

Damien said his work with children helped inspire the design of Phil.

'I teach art and early childhood promoting creativity. I used this in my thinking for making something that is appealing, something that is fun and using different textures,' Damian said.

Phil stands 20cm high and is $18.70. Those who purchase him are automatically eligible to enter the competition.

Where's Phil? Photo Competition Coordinator, Cameron Loudon, said the primary goal of this competition is to have fun, experience the diversity of the USQ community and maybe win the grand prize.

'This global competition enables you to be a part of our celebrations, whether you are a student in Singapore, an Alumnus in Argentina or a tutor in Toowoomba.

'Obviously we are very keen to see Phil the Phoenix spread his (very soft) wings and visit some exotic, fun and interesting locations that highlight the diversity of the USQ community in 2007.

'We don't want to give you too many ideas but Phil the Phoenix has always wanted to gaze at the pyramids of Giza, sail past the Statue of Liberty and sample some sushi in Saitama.'

For more information please visit www.usq.edu.au/40years/phil/

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Alexander, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977