The Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch draws its inspiration from the Sydney Opera House, the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the subtle curve of the boomerang. The Olympic Torch, created by Blue Sky Design of Paddington, Sydney, was unveiled in March by Michael Knight, president of the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG). Mr Knight said the Torch reflected the values which the Games' organisers regarded as key elements "the egalitarian spirit of Sydney and Australia, the commitment of the athlete and Olympism and the inspiration of innovation. "The Torch Relay next year will unite Australia and Australians and the look, feel and design of this torch is in keeping with this objective," Mr Knight said. Mr Knight said that based on the idea of an environmentally friendly Games, the torch design and fuel system showcased benchmark technologies.

            The design of the torch includes three layers which are representative of earth, fire and water. The inner layer is polished stainless steel, the middle layer is anodized aluminium and the outer layer is specially coated aluminium. The inner combustion system is made from copper, brass, aluminium and stainless steel. SOCOG Chief Executive Sandy Hollway said the Torch Relay was a very important part of the lead up to the start of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. "Not only is the lighting of the Torch a clarion call to athletes around the world that the Games are about to begin, but it is also a major milestone for the thousands of people involved in staging the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. "As the Torch Relay travels around Australia it takes the spirit of the Olympics to every state and territory and reinforces the message that this is Australia's Games as much as Sydney's," said Mr Hollway.

            The team of GA&L Harrington and Blue Sky Design won the tender to design and produce the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch. The flame and fuel research and development was done by Fuel Combustion Technology Pty Ltd. working with the University of Adelaide. G A & L Harrington undertook the engineering and manufacture of the torch. The Olympic flame must be safe, burn brightly, be environmentally friendly and be able to survive any weather. The torch weighs just over one kilogram and is 72 centimetres tall. The canister of fuel will burn for 20 minutes and used fuel canisters and leftover fuel will be recycled. Approximately 14,000 torches will be produced which will be offered to Sydney 2000 Torchbearers for purchase. The Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay, organised by SOCOG and presented by AMP, will begin in Greece on 10 May 2000 and travel through 13 Oceania countries before arriving in Australia at Uluru on 8 June 2000.