Invented in Tasmania Invented in Tasmania

Tasmania has played its part in inventing some of the worlds greatest and revolutionary innovations. Australias great ideas and vision can be seen by the many Tasmania inventions that have helped improve the lives of people all over the world.

Several key inventions and innovations originated in Tasmania, including the airplane black box recorder, the Humidicrib for premature babies, and the early experimentation with the telephone. Additionally, Tasmanians pioneered technologies like waxed paper for apple storage and the Wheelie Bin Handling System.

Tasmania Inventions

TASMANIAN FIRSTS, INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIONS

For more information about each invention, see links at the bottom of this page.

The Alexander Technique - late C19th

The Alexander Technique is a set of mental and physical practices developed by F.M. Alexander of Tasmania in the late nineteenth century. It is highly regarded by performing artists for reducing stress and by those suffering back problems. It is now taught in many countries throughout the world.

Dynasphere Lightning Protection - 1985

A Tasmanian company, Global Lightning Technologies, developed the Dynasphere lightning terminal. The company exports its products to over 30 countries.

The Humidicrib - late 1930s

The Humidicrib is a lightweight, portable and inexpensive alternative to the iron lung made from plywood, and was invented and manufactured by Tasmanian brothers Edward and Don Both in the late 1930s.

The poliomyelitis epidemic (Polio) was rampant at the time, and the invention soon spread across the world and has since helped to save the lives of millions of premature babies.

The Notepad - 1902

The humble though indispensable notepad was created by Launceston resident J.A.Birchall in 1902 when he had the idea of gluing individual sheets of paper together into the conveniently usable form we now take for granted today.

Imagine the messes our desks would be without it.

Permaculture - 1970s onwards

Permaculture - a contraction of "permanent agriculture"- was developed by Tasmanian Dr Bill Mollison in the 1970s.

Permaculture is sustainable land use design: the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems.

The Record Changer - 1925

What diner would be complete without a jukebox, and what jukebox would be complete without the automated Record Changer.

Invented in 1925 by Tasmanian Eric Waterworth, The Record Changer, the centre spindle, was created for the Salonola record player was soon adopted for use in record changers throughout the world.

Wave-piercing catamaran - 1980

The Wave-piercing catamaran were the first high speed, stable catamarans invented, developed by Phillip Hercus and Robert Clifford of Incat in Tasmania based on designs by Sydney naval architect Phillip Hercus.

Fairy bread - 1929

Fairy bread: sliced bread, buttered and sprinkled with 100s and 1000s, was first written about on the pages of the Mercury newspaper on Anzac Day 1929. This mention allows Tasmanians to add this sugary treat to a long list of other world-changing inventions claimed by the island state.

Source: kidsnews.com.au

Reg Watson
Local historian Reg Watson specialises in researching Tasmanian firsts, inventions and innovations.
Source: regwatson.com




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