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Australia Centenary Stamps
'Australian Innovations' stamps
As part of the celebrations, the message of innovation was circulated on Australia's mail, via Australia
Post's new 'Australian Innovations' stamps. The stamps featured five Australian
innovations that have had a significant impact on our everyday lives, not just
in Australia, but all over the world.
The five inventions featured on the stamps were:
The Black Box Flight Recorder:
Invented in 1961, by Dave Warren at the Aeronautical Research Laboratory in Melbourne. Warren designed the prototype device that today is used in every large commercial aeroplane to record cockpit voices and flight data.
Fact: Did you know that the black box is actually bright orange?
Ultrasound Imaging Technology:
Ultrasound scans are used to reveal the size, position and even the sex of an unborn baby. Invented in 1976, this technology provides a much safer method for expectant mothers.
Fact: Before ultrasound scans were invented, harmful x-rays were used to gather information on unborn babies.
Racecam TV Sport Coverage:
Revolutionising the way we view sporting events today, the Racecam transmits sound and pictures from almost any position. First introduced in 1979 at the Bathurst 1000 car race, this drivers eye view gave the general public a new perspective of the adrenaline filled racing circuit.
Fact: Due to the success of Racecam, there are now many adaptations of this technology, including stumpcam for cricket.
Baby Safety Capsule:
The capsule consists of a bassinette inside a base, kept in place by a car seat belt, which safely cradles the baby. During an accident, a release mechanism is triggered allowing the bassinette to rotate, keeping the baby more upright and distributing forces uniformly over its small body.
Fact: There was no specific protection for the safe transportation of babies until the invention of the Baby Safety Capsule in 1984.
Polymer Banknotes:
Australia leads the world in polymer banknote technology, which has been very successful in the reduction of note forgery, due to the added security features incorporated into each note. Features such as a distinctive transparent window, shadow images, embossed printing and the use of special inks all make counterfeiters very wary indeed.
Fact: When polymer banknotes are replaced, they are recycled into a variety of everyday plastics.
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