Australian currency

The illustrations on our currency depict people and symbols that are important to Australia.

The people chosen to appear on our currency are people who have shown initiative and great talent in the areas of social reform, science, politics, military accomplishment and the arts.

Queen Elizabeth II (1926–2022)

Queen Elizabeth II was Australia’s Head of State. She was the Queen of Australia and the United Kingdom. She was a strong, stable presence throughout her long and popular reign.

Parliament House and the Forecourt Mosaic

The schematic plan of Parliament House was based on the Design Development Landscape Plan, which was provided by the Parliament House Construction Authority. The Forecourt Mosaic is based on a Central Desert dot-style painting by Michael Nelson Jagamara titled ‘Possum and Wallaby Dreaming’.

Dame Mary Gilmore (1865–1962)

Dame Mary Gilmore was an author, journalist, poet and campaigner for social reform. She is remembered for her writing and for speaking out on behalf of women, poor people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

AB ‘Banjo’ Paterson (1864–1941)

Andrew Barton Paterson was a poet, songwriter and journalist. He wrote under the name ‘Banjo’ Paterson and is remembered in particular for writing the words of ‘Waltzing Matilda’, the most famous folk song in Australia.

Reverend John Flynn (1880–1951)

Reverend John Flynn began the world’s first airborne medical service, the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. He is remembered for saving many lives by bringing health services to remote areas of Australia.

Mary Reibey (1777–1855)

Mary Reibey was a pioneer businesswoman in the colony of New South Wales. After arriving in Australia as a teenage convict settler, she became a respected leader in the community.

Edith Cowan (1861–1932)

Edith Cowan was a social worker, politician and feminist. She was the first woman elected to any Australian parliament.

David Unaipon (1872–1967)

David Unaipon was a writer, public speaker and inventor. He is remembered for his contributions to science and literature, and for improving the conditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Sir John Monash (1865–1931)

Sir John Monash was an engineer, administrator and one of Australia’s greatest military commanders. He is remembered for his leadership, intelligence and eloquence.

Dame Nellie Melba (1861–1931)

Dame Nellie Melba was a world famous soprano. Known around the world as the ‘Queen of Song’, she was the first Australian singer to become internationally renowned.