Scott Cam’s two favourite Aussie inventions are the ute and the monogrammed stubby holder, but there are lots of other terrific ones!
Counterfeit-proof banknotes
The plastic-laminated $10 note made for the Bicentenary in 1988 incorporates security elements including a see-through registration device, and the optically variable device with an image of James Cook. The note was designed to foil sophisticated counterfeiting organisations and is a result of over 20 years of research by the CSIRO and the Reserve Bank.
Dynamic Lifter
Norman Jennings invented Dynamic Lifter in the 70s. This product is made from dry chicken manure and involves two Australian technologies:
1) a drinking system that ensures water doesn’t leak onto the waste below the birds.
2) a method of compressing the waste into pellets, which fertilise the soil as they break down.
In 1971, Department of Agriculture tests on Dynamic Lifter showed that it outperformed chemical fertilisers by 150%.
Victa lawnmower
The Victa rotary mower was developed by Mervyn Victor Richardson in the 1950s. His first version was a cylinder-type mower, which was soon replaced with a more powerful model featuring rotary blades. In the first four years of production, sales increased from 100 to 60,000. Victa is now the largest motor mower manufacturer in the world.
Builders’ shorts
King Gee has recently launched its ‘New Gees’ range, which they claim combines durability, value and quality with innovative new design and fabric technology. Shorts are slightly longer in the leg and both shorts and trousers feature strategically placed darts at the back to prevent the embarrassing ‘gap’ that we’re all too familiar with!
Ute
The first ute was designed in 1933 by Lewis Brandt, Chief Body Engineer for Ford Australia. A year later the 1st production line Ford utility was assembled in Geelong. A ute has an enclosed cabin similar in comfort and design to a passenger car, while the back has a rectangular tray with fixed sides, a tailgate and often a removable tarpaulin cover.
Hills Hoist
Adelaide motor mechanic, Lance Hill, invented the Hills Hoist in 1945. It is a wire clothesline strung on arms of metal tubing forming a rotatable square that can be lowered and raised by a crown and pinion winding mechanism. The addition of a canvas cover allows the hoist to be used as a large umbrella for outdoor entertaining.
And a host of others
There are many other notable Aussie inventions including the wine cask, the anthrax vaccine for sheep and cattle, the bionic ear, the black box flight recorder, penicillin (co-discovered by Alexander Fleming and Howard Florey), the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the surf lifesaving reel.
First full-length feature film
The Story of the Kelly Gang had its first screening in Melbourne in December, 1906. Based on the life of bushranger, Ned Kelly, it was produced by Dan Barry and directed by Charles Tait. The film ran for more than an hour, at a time when films rarely ran for more than 10 minutes.
