Hedgehog Among Four Animals Chosen for New Banknote Design

The Reserve Bank of Australia has announced the winners of its design competition for the upcoming series of polymer banknotes, featuring four unique and iconic Australian animals. After receiving over half a million votes from the public, the winning designs were selected from a shortlist of 18 creatures. The final four contenders are a red kangaroo, an eastern brushtail possum, a common echidna, and a blue-tongued lizard. The Reserve Bank’s Governor, Philip Lowe, explained that the new banknotes will feature high-quality images of these animals in various settings, showcasing their habitats and unique characteristics. The designs were chosen to reflect Australia’s rich biodiversity and its importance as a country with some of the world’s most unique and fascinating wildlife. The polymer banknote series is designed to be durable and long-lasting, with advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting. The new designs are expected to be released in 2025, replacing the current paper-based notes. The Reserve Bank’s decision was seen as a positive move by many Australians, who were eager to see their country’s unique wildlife featured on the banknotes. The public’s involvement in the design competition helped to create a sense of ownership and excitement around the project.