Don Knopke with one of the early favourites ready to hop at the Coolum Australia Day Cup.

Warren Lynam

THOUGH it is not an official Australia Day function, Bob, Vivien, Debbie and Fiona will all be at Coolum's celebration of our national day on Monday.

Or, to be more precise, Bob the Bruiser, Vivacious Vivien, Desperate Debbie and Fearless Fiona will be competing in the Sunshine Coast's richest toad race, the Coolum Cup.

The race, with toads named after politicians and prominent local identities, has been a highlight of Coolum's Australia Day celebrations since the early 1990s.

Every year chief toad catcher Don Knopke comes up with a list of topical names and a form guide that alludes to the attributes of the toads' namesakes.

Bob the Bruiser is a “big Noosa toad who led all the way to win the inaugural Sunshine Cup last March. Colours: Black .”

Fearless Fiona's form guide says: “Smart filly, easily one of the Sunshine Coast's best performers over the last 10 years. However, her current stable management team has become complacent in recent months. Colours: royal blue.”

Mr Knopke said the politicians took the ribbing in good fun.

“Most of the complaints come from my wife because she thinks I might offend people,” he said.

The race starts at 3.20pm in Coolum's Tickle Park.