Australia’s new $5 banknotes will feature a design inspired by First Nations communities’ connection to country, with this theme being chosen following a public submissions process.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has opened submissions for the note’s design, after selecting the theme from 2,100 nominations. It will be the first Australian banknote not to include the image of a monarch, as the Reserve Bank said in 2023 that King Charles III would not be added to the $5 note.
“The theme encompasses the deep connection First Nations peoples have to the land, the waters and the sky,” said assistant governor Michelle McPhee.
“An important context for this connection is the overturning of the concept of terra nullius. This action recognised the existence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s relationship to Country for thousands of years. The artist is invited to reflect how this decision has shaped a positive future for First Nations peoples,” according to the Reserve Bank of Australia.
The banknote’s design should also recognise First Nations groups’ efforts to protect and restore the environment, the Reserve Bank said, as well as the diversity of First Nations communities in Australia and the Torres Strait Islands.
The Reserve Bank of Australia had met with First Nations organisations to discuss theme submissions before arriving at its final selection, it said.
The reverse of the note will include an image of Parliament, similar to the previous version. Submissions will close in April.
The Reserve Bank first said in 2023 that a First Nations-related design would replace the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, following her death.
The $50 banknote also depicts a First Nations-inspired design, including an image of inventor and writer David Unaipon from the Ngarrindjeri nation. The former $1 note featured artwork from the Yolgnu painter David Malangi, though the Reserve Bank did not obtain permission from Malangi until after the note was produced.
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