A celebration of Tasmanian minds, innovations, and stories that have influenced global science, culture, and imagination.

1.   Flight Data Recorder – The Black Box

Tasmanian-raised scientist Dr David Warren created the first modern flight data recorder, now essential for global aviation safety.

2. Fairy Bread (1929)

The first known mention of Fairy Bread (consisting of bread, butter and 100s and 1000s) appears in The Mercury newspaper of Hobart in April 1929. No individual creator was identified, so the originator remains unknown; the treat is credited culturally to Tasmania rather than a specific person.

3. Notebook (1902)

J.A. Birchall (1855-1937), a stationer from Launceston, did not invent the modern bound notebook, but rather a specific innovation: the first commercial tear-off writing pad. In 1902, he glued stacks of evenly cut paper sheets onto a cardboard backing, creating a portable notepad that allowed pages to be easily removed. This simple idea became the foundation of the modern writing pad used worldwide.

​4. Humidicrib (1930s–40s)

Tasmanian brothers Edward and Don Both created a portable incubator that transformed neonatal care for premature babies.

5. Automatic Record Changer – Eric Waterworth

Tasmanian inventor Eric Waterworth designed one of the world’s first automatic record changers, paving the way for modern turntables.

6. Permaculture (1970s)

Developed by Tasmanian ecologist Bill Mollison, permaculture became a global movement in sustainable living.

7. The Alexander Technique

Created by Tasmanian F.M. Alexander, this method improves posture, breathing, and body awareness; widely used by actors and performers.

1.    Elizabeth Blackburn -Nobel Prize-Winning Scientist

Born in Hobart, Elizabeth Blackburn is a molecular biologist who won the 2009 Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovering telomerase, the enzyme that protects chromosome ends (telomeres). Her work revolutionised our understanding of aging, cellular regeneration and cancer research, making her one of the most influential scientists of the modern era.

2.    Richard Flanagan – Booker Prize–Winning Author

Born in Longford, Richard Flanagan is one of Australia’s most acclaimed contemporary writers. His novel The Narrow Road to the Deep North won the Man Booker Prize in 2014, bringing Tasmanian literature to global recognition. His work often explores identity, memory and the Tasmanian landscape.

3.  David Walsh – Founder of MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

David Walsh, the visionary Tasmanian entrepreneur behind MONA, created one of the world’s most distinctive and provocative contemporary art museums. MONA has transformed Tasmania’s cultural identity, tourism and global visibility, redefining how museums engage with audiences.

4.    Errol Flynn — Hollywood Actor

Born in Hobart, Errol Flynn became one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors of the Golden Age, known for his charismatic presence and legendary roles in adventure films. His performance in “The Adventures of Robin Hood” (1938) established him as a global star and remains one of cinema’s most celebrated portrayals of heroism and swashbuckling action.

5.   Gwen Fenton – Marine Scientist & Chief Antarctic Scientist

Dr Gwen Fenton, a University of Tasmania-trained scientist, is renowned for discovering that certain deep-sea fish species live far longer than previously believed — a finding with major implications for marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. As Chief Scientist of the Australian Antarctic Division, she has become a leading voice in Southern Ocean and deep-sea research.