By ACMI
Discoveries from the ACMI Collection
Australians have always been innovators. Their distance from other markets coupled with our sense of adventure and free spirit have motivated Australia to innovate in agriculture, manufacturing, early computing technology and even domestic life. These recently digitised archival short films from the ACMI Collection show developments and innovations in these areas from the 1920s onwards.
Factory To Farm (Circa 1920)ACMI
The Sunshine Harvester
This Australian invention significantly altered agricultural production.
See 'How it used to be done' by hand, then witness the labour saving impact of this invention.
Train Control (1949)ACMI
Train Control
Discover how the railway was run in 1949, well before centralised computing!
"The Australian method of train control is recognised as one of the best ... in the world."
Stamina (1950)ACMI
Slacks with stamina
Take a tour of the Stamina trouser company to see innovative, industrial machinery in the mass-production process and skilled Australian workers, producing men's pants of a high quality.
Behind The Menu (1950)ACMI
Cooking on gas
How do you produce 2 million biscuits a day?
Why, with Australian natural gas of course!
Go "behind the menu" in commercial cooking establishments to see how gas has been used in innovative ways.
Every Inch Australian (1952)ACMI
Every Inch Australian
Sheets and cotton products were despatched to all parts of Australia from a cotton mill by ACTIL Ltd.
From raw materials to finished goods, this film demonstrates Australian textile innovation at work.
Passing Era of the Steam Horse (1957)ACMI
Steam horses
Did you know Australia manufactured steam trains?
This film pays homage to the great engine's production and use, made in an era when the "steamies" where being replaced by diesels.
Professional Icing At Home (1952)ACMI
Cake icing 101
The finesse and skill required for cake decorating is shown in this film, demonstrating Australian domestic cookery innovation of its era.
Mice Milking (1960)ACMI
Mice-milking machine
An Australian machine was developed for use in the fight against cancer, providing scientists with milk taken from mice.
Taking milk from a mouse is no easy task and be warned, some viewers may find this upsetting.
Make the Most of Your Roast (1965)ACMI
Make the most of your roast
An Australian kitchen in the 1960s had all the mod cons.
Ensure the very best results for roasting meat by following these simple techniques.
A Place Called Mooroopna (1968)ACMI
Yes we can
A patented invention by a factory worker for the stacking of canned goods onto a pallet - from Mooroopna, Victoria.
Journey with a Scottish immigrant on a road trip from Melbourne to the factory.
Fifty Years of Service (1970)ACMI
Power to the people
Watch a 50-year history of innovation in the provision of electricity to the state of Victoria.
Power served industry, agriculture, transport, commerce and homes.
Gel (1972)ACMI
Saved by the gel
An Australian home science student outlines some of the innovative properties and uses of gelatine in cooking.
A salad set in gel? It must be the 1970s!
The Solar House: a lifestyle for the future (1981)ACMI
The solar house
Explore an Australian award-winning, energy-efficient home, with design particular to southern hemisphere requirements - a 'lifestyle for the future'.
The Technology Revolution (1982)ACMI
The tech revolution
Watch the early use of computing in Australian industry, such as shipping, agriculture and architecture.
"With so much to gain from the new technology, can we afford not to get involved?"
The Age of change (1983)ACMI
All change
Explore the impact of technological change on the Melbourne newspaper The Age, with the introduction of computerised systems.
Plastic economy: banking and technology (1983)ACMI
Plastic economy
"Advances in technology affect the lives of all Australians."
Explore early computing and technology innovation in the banking sector.
The Timeless Force (1983)ACMI
The timeless force
Explore Victorian electricity production using state-of-the-art computing technology in the early 1980s and its history in the use of steam generated turbines.
Punching Keys (1984)ACMI
Punching keys
A biting dramatisation of the effects of the new technology in deskilling the female office workforce.
Landholder Group Participation: a model for action (1988)ACMI
Let's get together
Australian landholders realising problems of salinity and erosion need to be tackled in groups, rather than as individuals.
The Gasifier (2011)ACMI
Grain alchemy
Innovative Wimmera farmers, located in western Victoria, investigate the potential of using 'gasifier' technology, which can be used to convert grain into fuel.
