On March 8, 2006 the United Buddy Bears were opened in Sydney. To mark the occasion two new Australian bears were unveiled by internationally renowned artist Ken Done and indigenous artist Elaine Russell.

Ken Done's creation captures the spirit and excitement of one of Australia's most recognised icons - the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its annual New Year's Eve fireworks display. Whilst indigenous artist Elaine Russell's design reflects memories of her childhood and she shared the process of painting her bear with a group of school children who affectionately nicknamed it, 'Buddy Love.'