Leslie Massey
Australia's banknotes feature a diverse range of notable figures, from poets to politicians and activists, all of whom have made significant contributions to the country's history and identity. The Reserve Bank of Australia, with input from the public, decides who is featured on the currency. The $5 note has featured Queen Elizabeth II since 1966, but a new design without the monarch was introduced in 2023, featuring an Indigenous design instead. Other notable figures include Dame Mary Gilmore, a socialist writer, on the $10 note; Edith Cowan, Australia's first female politician, on the $50 note; and Banjo Paterson, a renowned poet, who also features on the $10 note.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Denominations | 5 |
| Denominations | $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 |
| People on the $5 note | Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Henry Parkes, Catherine Helen Spence |
| People on the $10 note | Banjo Paterson, Mary Gilmore |
| People on the $50 note | David Unaipon, Edith Cowan |
| People on the $100 note | Dame Nellie Melba, Sir John Monash |
| People on the discontinued $10 note | Mary Reibey, Reverend John Flynn |
| Composition | Polymer |
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What You'll Learn
Poets, writers, and journalists
Australia's banknotes feature a diverse range of notable figures, including poets, writers, and journalists who have left an indelible mark on the country's history and cultural identity. Here is a closer look at some of these individuals and their contributions:
Andrew Barton Paterson ("Banjo" Paterson)
The $10 note features Banjo Paterson, a renowned poet and journalist. Born in 1864, Paterson grew up captivated by the world of stockmen and drovers, which would later inspire his iconic poetry. His first published poem, "El Mahdi to the Australian Troops," appeared in The Bulletin in 1885. Paterson's ballads and verses, including "Waltzing Matilda" and "The Man from Snowy River," presented a powerful image of bush life, creating a mythic figure that embodied the resilience and determination of colonial life in the face of harsh conditions. After finding success with his writing, Paterson left his legal career in 1902 to pursue journalism, contributing long-form stories and verses to various Australian and international newspapers until his death in 1941.
Mary Gilmore
Mary Gilmore (1865-1962), a prolific writer and socialist, is featured on the $10 note alongside Banjo Paterson. Gilmore passionately advocated for workers' rights and the welfare of women, children, and Indigenous Australians. Her literary works and social activism left a lasting impact on Australia's cultural and political landscape.
David Unaipon
Dubbed "Australia's Leonardo da Vinci," David Unaipon (1872-1967) was a polymath and a prominent Aboriginal public figure. Unaipon, a writer, inventor, and preacher, advocated for Indigenous rights and made significant contributions to various fields. He is commemorated on the $50 note, reflecting his influential role in shaping Australia's cultural identity.
Reverend John Flynn
The $20 note features Reverend John Flynn (1880-1951), a Presbyterian minister who played a pivotal role in establishing the Royal Flying Doctor Service, previously known as the Australian Aerial Medical Service. Through his visionary leadership and dedication to rural healthcare, Flynn created a legacy of providing emergency care across vast distances in Australia.
These individuals, celebrated on Australia's banknotes, not only contributed to the country's literary and journalistic landscape but also embodied values such as resilience, social justice, and innovation, inspiring future generations of Australians.
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Politicians and activists
Australia's banknotes feature a diverse range of notable figures, including politicians and activists who have played a significant role in shaping the country's history and identity. One of the most well-known politicians featured on Australian currency is Sir Henry Parkes, who appeared on a special commemorative $5 note issued in 2001 to celebrate the Centenary of Federation. Nicknamed the "father of Federation," Sir Henry Parkes was a strong advocate for the Commonwealth and played a crucial role in the federation process.
Another prominent female politician, Edith Dircksey Cowan, graced the Australian $50 note. Cowan was a trailblazer, becoming Australia's first female politician and dedicating her life to social reform, particularly regarding the law's impact on women and children. Her efforts led to the establishment of a Children's Court in 1907, and she also contributed to the founding of several charities and organisations, including the Children's Protection Society and the Women's Service Guild.
In addition to politicians, Australia's banknotes honour activists who fought for various causes. One such activist is Mary Gilmore, a prolific writer and socialist. Gilmore passionately advocated for workers' rights and the welfare of women, children, and Indigenous Australians. To protect her government job as a schoolteacher, she wrote about these issues under pseudonyms. Mary Gilmore's commitment to social justice and her literary achievements earned her a place on the Australian $10 note.
Another activist featured on Australian currency is Catherine Helen Spence, who joined Sir Henry Parkes on the commemorative $5 note in 2001. Spence was a respected leader of the suffragette movement and a prolific author. Her tireless efforts for women's rights and her literary contributions to Australian society were recognised and celebrated through her inclusion on the commemorative banknote.
The Reserve Bank of Australia carefully selects the individuals depicted on the currency, often with the assistance of a panel of consultants and suggestions from the public. These politicians and activists included on the banknotes are a testament to their significant contributions to the country, and their legacy continues to be honoured and remembered through Australia's currency.
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Innovators and pioneers
Australia's banknotes feature a diverse range of innovators and pioneers who have left an indelible mark on the country's history and identity. These individuals come from various fields, including literature, science, social work, politics, and the arts, and their contributions have been recognised by the Reserve Bank of Australia, which selects the figures depicted on the currency.
One notable figure celebrated on Australia's banknotes is Andrew Barton Paterson, affectionately known as "Banjo Paterson". Banjo Paterson was a renowned poet and ballad writer, famous for his works such as "Waltzing Matilda" and "The Man from Snowy River". His writing captured the essence of the Australian stockmen and drovers he grew up around, leaving an enduring literary legacy. Banjo Paterson's portrait and the themes of his writing are featured on the $10 note, with fragments of "The Man from Snowy River" accompanying his image.
Another innovator honoured on Australia's currency is Dame Mary Gilmore, a prolific writer and passionate socialist. Mary Gilmore advocated for workers' rights and the welfare of women, children, and Indigenous Australians. She wrote under pseudonyms to protect her government job as a schoolteacher and later moved to Sydney, where she actively participated in socialist circles. Her commitment to social justice and literature earned her a place on the $10 note, with her portrait and excerpts from her poem presented in microprint.
The $50 note pays tribute to David Unaipon, an Ngarrindjeri man who made significant contributions to science, literature, and the advancement of Aboriginal people's conditions. Unaipon's innovations and advocacy for Indigenous Australians left a lasting impact on the country. The $50 note also features Edith Dircksey Cowan (1861-1932), Australia's first female politician and a dedicated social reformer. Cowan worked tirelessly to improve the lives of women and children, volunteering with various charities and successfully lobbying for the establishment of a Children's Court in 1907. Her election to parliament in 1921 represented a milestone in Australian political history.
These individuals featured on Australia's banknotes are a testament to the country's rich history and its recognition of those who have shaped its present and future. Their selection celebrates the diversity and achievements of Australians from various fields, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire generations to come.
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Indigenous Australians
The history of Indigenous Australians on Australian notes dates back to the 19th century when the country used pound sterling. The £1 banknote, issued in 1923, featured an artwork depicting the first encounter between Lt. James Cook and Joseph Banks with Gweagal warriors.
In 1966, Australia transitioned to decimal currency, and the $1 note was introduced with an Indigenous design. This design was based on bark paintings by the artist David Malangi Daymirringu, a Yolngu man from what is now northeastern Arnhem Land. However, it was later discovered that the bank had neither sought permission to use the artwork nor offered any compensation to the artist. This oversight was addressed by the Reserve Bank's governor at the time, who worked to rectify the situation.
In 1996, Australia's $50 note became the first to honour an Indigenous individual, David Unaipon, a Ngarrindjeri man from southeastern South Australia. Unaipon was a preacher, inventor, writer, and advocate for Indigenous rights. He was also an expert in ballistics, exploring the aerodynamics of the boomerang and its potential applications in aircraft design.
In 2023, it was announced that the $5 note would not feature King Charles III but instead showcase an Indigenous design. This decision was made to honour the culture and history of the First Australians and reflect the connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the land, seas, and waters. The new design will also commemorate the overturning of the terra nullius doctrine, a significant moment in the fight for land rights.
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Royalty
Queen Elizabeth II has featured on Australia's $5 note since 1966. However, in February 2023, the Reserve Bank of Australia announced that the new $5 bill would feature an Indigenous design instead of an image of King Charles III, marking a phasing out of the British monarchy from Australian banknotes. This decision was made by the Reserve Bank of Australia, which is assisted by a panel of consultants and suggestions from the public when deciding who to feature on the country's banknotes.
Queen Elizabeth II is easily the most recognisable figure among the royalty featured on Australian banknotes. However, it is worth noting that the Queen Elizabeth II $5 note is now discontinued, and the new $5 note, released in 2016, features an Indigenous design. This change reflects Australia's desire to showcase a diverse range of individuals who have shaped the country's history and identity, including poets, protesters, socialist social workers, and opera singers.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian $5 note features Queen Elizabeth II, who has been on the note since 1966. In 2001, a special edition $5 note was printed to celebrate the Centenary of Federation, featuring Sir Henry Parkes and Catherine Helen Spence.
Yes, it was announced in February 2023 that the new $5 note would feature an Indigenous design instead of Charles III.
The Australian $10 note features Banjo Paterson on one side and Dame Mary Gilmore on the other.
