With dice in hand and money in the bank, the Royal Australian Mint is excited to feature on the Canberra edition of Monopoly, launched at the National Museum today.
Assistant Minister for Charities, Competition and Treasury, Andrew Leigh, says he was pleased that the Mint were included in the prestigious release.
"As Assistant Minister for Competition, I'm instinctively wary of any monopoly. But I'll make an exception for the Canberra edition of the Monopoly board game. It's great to see the Mint joining so many other iconic institutions on the Canberra Monopoly board."
Royal Australian Mint CEO, Leigh Gordon, says this latest edition has been a carefully guarded secret by a number of local Canberra businesses.
"Monopoly is arguably the most divisive board game on the planet, but if you're going to feud with your family on the streets of Monopoly, you might as well keep it local.
"With the launch of the Canberra edition of Monopoly, players will get to see just how many fantastic places to visit our nation's capital has," Mr Gordon said.
Familiar local landmarks - Cockington Green, Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial - have replaced the traditional London street names.
"I only found out the locations and highlights today, so it's great to see such iconic events like Floriade and the Canberra Balloon Spectacular featured."
Mr Gordon recalls some feisty Monopoly battles with his family, both as a child and later with his own children in the Sponge Bob Square Pants edition. And, with the Mint featuring on the local board, he is certain they will be facing each other again over the table this Easter.
The plan of attack?
"Monopolise on every opportunity, and hope I draw that special Chance card featuring Australia's very own Donation Dollar, which takes me past go and allows me to collect $200," he said.
To purchase your own Monopoly Canberra Edition, visit the Mint's Coin Shop, temporarily located at Canberra Museum and Gallery, London Circuit, Canberra City, open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, and weekends and public holidays from 12 midday to 4pm. It is also available through the Mint's Contact Centre on 1300 652 020 or through the eShop at www.eshop.ramint.gov.au.
