Calling on next gen of happy little Vegemites to feature in a remake of iconic ad

Vegemite is on the hunt to find Australian kids to feature in a remake of its most iconic advertisement as the nation’s favourite spread turns 100 this year. See how you can apply.

It’s an ad millions of Australians grew up with – and now Vegemite is on the hunt for kids to feature in a remake of its most iconic commercial.

The nation’s famous spread – which turns 100 on October 25 – is holding a national competition for one week to find the next generation of happy little Vegemites to write themselves in the history books.

“Vegemite is opening a national casting on Thursday, inviting children in Australia aged between 6 to 12 years old the opportunity to audition, to feature in its remake of its iconic Happy Little Vegemite ad,” marketing manager Jess Hoare said.

“We’re honoured to raise a toast to this Aussie icon and can’t wait to see it be embraced by Aussies for many more years to come.”

Happy Little Vegemites Mina, 6, Hari, 8, and Saatiya, 11. Picture: Supplied

Trish Cavanagh was the little girl who became a star as the face of Australia’s iconic breakfast spread.

The 64-year-old – who was one of eight kids in the original ad – is best known as the baton twirling child standing on top of a jar of Vegemite for the black and white 1959 TV commercial “Happy Little Vegemite”.

She was only seven years old when she filmed the catchy commercial in Sydney.

“I don’t think any of us realised at the time what this ad would mean in our lives and what we were in for,” Ms Cavanagh said.

“It was such an exciting time given television was only three years old, and to be making an ad was just unbelievable.

Trish Cavanagh in the iconic ad.

Trish Cavanagh admits she still eats the iconic spread every day for breakfast.

“And being chosen to be on top of that jar, I had no idea what that would mean in either life to me. I'm so proud to be associated with such a wonderful product.”

Despite nearly 60 years having passed since commercial first ran, Ms Cavanagh said people still recognise her.

And, tellingly, she still eats her Vegemite “every day”.

“It's still a big part of my life and I still love it. I’ve always loved it and I always will,” she said.

“And I don't think you can have anything better than Vegemite for breakfast.”

As for the next generation of Vegemites, Ms Cavanagh said it will be “an honour” for the children who feature in the new ad.

Vegemite is opening a national casting call for children aged 6 to 12 years old to audition for the remake of its iconic ad. Picture: Supplied

“Most importantly, I hope they love Vegemite and remember it puts roses on every cheek,” she said.

Children like Melbourne kids Mina Christopoulos, 6, Hari Hanspaul, 8, and Saatiya Hanspaul, 11 – wishing to apply for the ad role don’t need to have any acting experience.

The shoot will be held in early June in Melbourne, with all travel costs covered.

To apply, email your child’s full name, age, suburb, state, and a recent photo to [e-mail].

Originally published as Calling on next gen of happy little Vegemites to feature in a remake of iconic ad