Australians have developed some nifty inventions over the years, some of which have been adopted across the world. Celebrating our innovation and creativity, Bright Ideas features five of Australia’s best-known inventions.
Released in partnership with newsXpress, the second reveal from the collection includes the Black Box Flight Recorder!
Design 2: Black Box Flight Recorder
A monumental step in increasing aviation safety around the world is attributed to Australia’s Defence scientist Dr David Warren who invented the black box flight recorder in 1953 while working for the Aeronautical Research Laboratories, now part of today’s Defence Science and Technology Group. Referred to simply as the ‘black box,’ this invention records voices and data from cockpits, and being near-indestructible helps investigators determine activity prior to a plane crash. Ironically, it isn’t black in colour at all, but usually a bright colour to assist retrieval.
Read more about the Australian invention that revolutionised aviation safety here.
This coin will be available as part of our Bright Ideas collection, launching 8 October 2026.
Stay tuned for our third design reveal tomorrow from 2pm.
Check Your Change
Check your change at participating newsXpress stores to find the special $2 coin, showcasing all five inventions on one coin from 8 October.
Availability
From Thursday 8 October 2026 08:30am (AEDT):
Online Shop
Mint Contact Centre (1300 652 020)
Mint Shop
Participating newsXpress Stores
Want to see more designs?
Discover design 1: Stump Jump Plough