“Needs to make the journey home”: Call for world’s largest Chiko Roll to be brought to Bathurst

Jonathan Roe

Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee has once again weighed into the disputed origin claims surrounding the iconic Chiko Roll, calling for an artist’s giant replica of the Australian takeaway staple to be brought “home” to Bathurst.

For the launch of his latest exhibition, Wagga Wagga artist Chris Roe has created what he claims to be the world’s largest Chiko Roll. Standing six feet high and wrapped in the immediately recognisable branded packaging, the giant inflatable Chiko Roll artwork has been garnering plenty of attention on the streets of Wagga Wagga which, like Bendigo and Bathurst, stakes its claim as being the “Home of the Chiko Roll”.

Created by Frank McEncroe, a boilermaker from Bendigo, Victoria, the Chiko Roll made its first public appearance at the Wagga Wagga Agriculture Show in 1951. But for the last 30 years, the Chiko has been manufactured in Bathurst.

In 2016, Andrew Gee used his first speech in the federal parliament to claim the Chiko Roll for Bathurst. The speech sparked passionate counterclaims from Riverina MP Michael McCormack for the Wagga origin story, as well as Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters, who spoke disparagingly of the “terrible myths” being put forward about the origins of the Chiko Roll.

“Like all great controversies of our time, there is no end in sight for this one,” Mr Gee told Orange City Life this week, unwavering in his opinion that it is his electorate that can claim the Chiko Roll.

“I think it's generally accepted everywhere outside of Wagga and Bendigo that the home of the Chiko Roll is in Bathurst. And indeed, if you go to the Simplot Factory in Bathurst, there is a sign there which welcomes everybody to the factory and declares Bathurst ‘the home of the Chiko Roll’.”

Given that’s the case, Mr Gee said he feels it would only be fitting for the Wagga artist’s “masterpiece” to be permanently installed in Bathurst, where it belongs.

"I admire Chris' artistry. I admire his commitment to this Australian icon — and, in particular, this Bathurst icon — but the giant Chiko Roll really needs to make the journey home,” Mr Gee said.

“I think that the giant Chiko Roll really needs to make the pilgrimage to Bathurst and be based in Bathurst permanently. I think that would be a very fitting end to the journey of this artistic masterpiece.”

But what does the artist think about his creation heading to Bathurst?

“I do actually have a connection to Bathurst. I lived there for several years while getting my degree at CSU,” Chris said.

“So I guess it really comes down to who wants it more.”

If you are willing to make the trip to Wagga Wagga before April 28 you can see the giant Chiko Roll in person at the Ambo Gallery as part of Chris’ “Rouge Thought” art exhibition. Chris also just happens to be the brother of the writer.