We won't be putting a portrait on the $5 note this time.
We want to try something new.
We want to look at what's shaped us and what's helped us grow.
Unfolding Stories
Celebrating First Nations cultures and history
Theme for the new banknote – Connection to Country
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Country is more than just the land. Country is the land, the waters, and the sky. All are connected. The imagery on the $5 banknote should recognise the enduring connection that First Nations peoples have to Country – as an emotional and spiritual connection, as much as a physical one.
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.
Key to this theme is the recognition of First Nations communities' contribution to the restoration and conservation of our environment. Using traditional ecological knowledge First Nations peoples continue to act as custodians to sustain and conserve Country. There is an opportunity for all Australians to learn from Australia's original stewards on how to nurture and protect our fragile world.
The theme should be represented in way that recognises the diversity of First Nations peoples, across Australia and the Torres Strait. In acknowledging connection and caring for Country the theme should be inclusive, recognising the nature of Country varies, but it is all connected – the land, waters and sky. The artwork should avoid being tokenistic or stereotypical. The tone for the banknote is of a hopeful future, where First Nation peoples' connection to Country is celebrated and respected.
As times change,
so do our banknotes.
The $5 note is being redesigned and we want to use this as an opportunity to represent what makes this country so special:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and history.
Themes
We received great ideas from the public's nominations, including themes related to First Nations history and cultures, storytelling, art and design, native animals and important landmarks.
We asked the public for a theme that:
- Celebrates First Nations cultures and history
- Depicts First Nations cultures in an authentic and respectful way
- Recognises the diversity of First Nations cultures across different regions of Australia
- Respects First Nations cultural sensitivities about information or images that are sacred or secret (and therefore not appropriate for inclusion on a circulating banknote).
After receiving more than 2,100 submissions from the Australian public our Imagery Selection Panel made the final decision on the theme for the new $5 note – Connection to Country.
The Imagery Selection Panel is made up of senior representatives from the Reserve Bank of Australia and Note Printing Australia, along with prominent First Nations business and community members. This panel will continue to provide advice and guidance as the theme is used to inspire an artwork, and as the theme and artwork are translated into a banknote design.
What's next?
The chosen theme will guide the creation of an artwork to celebrate and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures on the new $5 note.
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