The Reserve Bank has today revealed the design of the new $50 banknote. As with the existing banknote, the new $50 features portraits of Aboriginal writer and inventor David Unaipon and the firstfemale member of an Australian parliament, Edith Cowan. The new banknotes will be released into general circulation in October 2018.

Governor Philip Lowe said: 'Improved security and ease of recognition underpin the design of the new $50 banknote. With the release of the $5 and $10 during the past two years, we are confidentthe Australian public are becoming familiar with the new banknote security features.'

These features include a top-to-bottom clear window that contains dynamic features such as a reversing number. There is also a patch with a rolling-colour effect and microprint featuring excerptsfrom David Unaipon's book and Edith Cowan's maiden parliamentary speech.

The Governor added: 'David Unaipon and Edith Cowan were campaigners for social change and we are proud to continue featuring them on the $50 banknote. The new banknote provides the opportunity totell more of the rich story behind these distinguished Australians.'

Their stories are told through a number of design elements, including shields from Unaipon's Ngarrindjeri nation and the practices of miwi and navel cord exchange about which Unaiponwrote. The banknote also includes a picture of the gumnut brooch Cowan had made to symbolise that entry into Parliament was a 'hard nut to crack' for women, and the King Edward Memorial Hospital, awomen's and maternity hospital that she helped establish.

As with the $5 and $10, the new banknote includes representations of a wattle and a native bird. The $50 features Acacia humifusa and a Black Swan (Cygnus atratus), Unaipon'sngaitji, or totem, and the bird of Cowan's home state of Western Australia.

To read the complete article, see:
Next Generation of Banknotes: $50 Design Reveal (https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2018/mr-18-03.html)