Search Begins for Former Australian Students in Iconic 1965 Photo
A search is currently underway for a group of former Australian school children depicted in a memorable photograph from 1965. This image captures a classroom setting in Sydney during a lesson on the upcoming transition to decimal currency. The event marked a significant shift in Australian finance, as the country prepared for Changeover Day or ‘C-Day’.
Historical Context of the 1965 Photo
The iconic photograph was taken prior to February 14, 1966, when Australia officially transitioned from pounds, shillings, and pence to dollars and cents. Before this change, the monetary system was complex, with £1 divided into 240 pence.
The Role of the Royal Australian Mint
The Royal Australian Mint, which began operations in 1965, played a crucial role during this transition. It was responsible for striking one billion new coins that featured Australian animals, designed by artist Stuart Devlin. This period marked the beginning of a national campaign to educate citizens about the new currency.
Seeking the Identified Former Students
Emily Martin, the chief executive of the Royal Australian Mint, has announced the initiative to identify the children from the photograph. Unfortunately, no records were kept regarding the location of the classroom or the names of the children depicted.
- The Mint hopes to connect with individuals now in their early 70s who were part of that classroom.
- They are eager to learn about personal experiences, such as singing with the popular cartoon character Dollar Bill.
- People who may recognize any of the students are encouraged to reach out.
How to Get Involved
The Royal Australian Mint invites anyone with information to assist in this nostalgic search. Interested parties can contact the Mint’s media team via email at [email protected] or call 02 6202 3466 during business hours.
This campaign not only aims to find the children but also seeks to gather stories that reflect a transformative moment in Australia’s financial history. The Mint’s effort to reunite with the former students could illuminate personal accounts of Changeover Day as Australia adapted to a new monetary system.
