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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015
GreatAussieinventions
Stubby Holder 1960’s
There is much conjecture over who
invented the first stubby holder. The
most likely candidates seem to be
Alex Lang, John Lamers and Bob Howie.
What is known is that the Stubby Holder
is the perfect way to keep a drink cool
whilst allowing the drinker to comfortably
sip and socialize.
When it comes to inventions Australians can hold their heads high. Here are just a few that have changed the world!
Speedos 1928
In 1928 Alexander MacRae invented the
classic, figure-hugging swimming
costume, which allowed greater freedom
of movement in the water. The outfit was
considered daring for its time and was
even banned on some beaches.
Thruster Board - Three
Fin Surf Board 1980
Zinc Cream 1940s
Simon Anderson invented the first
Thruster surf board - (Three fins) in1980.
The three smaller fins gives the surfer
added speed and more control in the
surf.
Zinc cream is a white sun block which is
made from zinc oxide invented and
developed by the Faulding
pharmaceutical company in the 1940s.
Surf Lifesaving Club 1906
The first Surf Life
Saving
Surf
SkiClub
1912was
formed at Bondi
Beach
in was
1906.
The in 1912 by
The
Surf Ski
invented
primary objective
ofMcLaren.
the SurfHe
Life
Saving
Harry
used
his invention in
the surf
around Port
Macquarie
Club was to protect
swimmers
and
beach and
for tendingpatrols
his family’s
goers through manned
andoyster beds. His
Surf Ski was so successful that he was
associated services.
soon making versions for locals around
Port Macquarie.
Surf Ski 1912
wearing sheepskin boots
ago. In the 1960’s and
d to be worn by surfers
m UGG boots - UGG
The Surf Ski was invented in 1912 by
Harry McLaren. He used his invention in
the surf around Port Macquarie and
for tending his family’s oyster beds. His
Surf Ski was so successful that he was
soon making versions for locals around
Port Macquarie.
The Butterfly 1930’s
Sydney Cavill, is credited as the inventor
of the butterfly swimming stroke in
the 1930’s. He was the son of the famous
Australian swimming coach
Frederick Cavill. The Butterfly stroke was
a variant of the breaststroke and it
wasn’t accepted as a an official
swimming stroke until 1952.
The Butterfly 1930s
Sydney Cavill, is credited as the inventor
of the butterfly swimming stroke in
the 1930s. He was the son of the famous
Australian swimming coach
Frederick Cavill . The Butterfly stroke was
a variant of the breaststroke and it
wasn’t accepted as a an official
swimming stroke until 1952.
Ugg Boots 1960s
Farmers were wearing sheepskin boots
over 100 years ago. In the 1960s and 70s
they started to be worn by surfers who
called them UGG boots - UGG being
short for UGLY.
Esky 1952
The Esky was invented by Francis Malley.
Originally known as a cool box, it wasn’t
until 1954 that it evolved into the
portable Esky that we know today.
The Esky is a symbol of Australia’s love
for the great outdoors and can be seen
at nearly every outdoor gathering.
The Aussie Crawl 1902
Australian, Richmond “Dick” Cavill, was
inspired by the swimming style of
Solomon Islander Alick Wickham in the
early 1900s. Cavill experimented and
developed the swimming stroke which
ultimately became known as the
Australian Crawl. This freestyle stroke
was later perfected by Olympian
Johnny Weismuller (Tarzan) in the 1920s.
Great Tassie Inventions
Permaculture 1972
Bill Mollison came up with the idea of
permaculture in 1972 as an alternative
to chemical-based agriculture.
Permaculture uses an approach
found in natural ecologies.
Record Changer 1925
In 1925, Tasmanian Eric Waterworth
invented the stepped centre spindle for
the ‘Salonola’ record player. His invention
was soon adopted for use in record
changers throughout the world.
SOURCES: > The Great Big Book of Aussie Inventions, www.chrisroytaylor.com
All images reproduced courtesy of Chris ‘ROY’ Taylor
Humidicrib 1930s
A portable and inexpensive alternative to
the iron lung made from plywood, was
invented and manufactured by the
brothers Edward and Don Both in
Tasmania in the late 1930s.
Notepad 1902
In 1902 Tasmanian JA Birchall invented
the first note pad. Birchall simply took
loose sheets of paper, cut them in half,
backed them with cardboard and then
glued the top edge.
Download previous activity pages from: www.mercurynie.com.au
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