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 fifth reveal from the collection includes high-speed Wireless LAN!
Design 5: WLAN
Many of us enjoy the convenience of a wireless local area network (WLAN) without giving much thought to where it came from. Developed in the 1990s by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, high-speed Wireless LAN technology grew out of pioneering radioastronomy research and allows devices to communicate without being connected by cables. This coin is a nod to yet another Aussie invention relied upon every day.
Read more about the Aussie breakthrough helping connect the modern world here.
This coin will be available as part of our Bright Ideas collection, launching 8 October 2026.
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
Discover design 2: Black Box Flight Recorder
Discover design 3: Jaffle Maker
Discover design 4: Baby Safety Capsule