After being the most watched show on the Foxtel platform when it launched on Monday this week, Foxtel is labelling Aussie Inventions That Changed The World its latest hit series.
The original eight-part series reveals a raft of great Australian inventors who turned game changing ideas into a reality and forever changed how we live.
Historically Australia has punched well above its weight on the world stage of timely innovations, scientific breakthroughs, and cleverly designed new technologies. And yet amongst our national heroes the sporting, military and political greats have typically enjoyed the limelight, while our remarkable inventors have been largely ignored. This series sets the record straight.
Comedian, actor and brainiac Matt Parkinson heads up a team of expert co-hosts; science journalist Anja Taylor, inventor Sally Dominguez and historian and writer David Hunt, who explore the little known stories across eight themed episodes; Home Life, Communication, Wartime, Farm Smart, Medicine, Food Preservation, Airborne and Super Vision.
Matt and the team explore inventions that are loved by the world and born in Australia including familiar ones like the Bionic Ear, Wine Cask, Pacemaker and WiFi, along with other inventions known to few, such as the Telephane and Transporter.
Drawing on an eclectic mix of contributors, from inventors, engineers, historians and model makers, to a colourful range of invention re-builds, road-tests and experiments, the series is an active and contemporary journey into the past.
Aussie Inventions That Changed The World delivers a unique view of these inventions by bringing them back to life. From the birth of the Black Box thanks to the unwavering perseverance of David Warren, which is now an essential component of air safety. And the rebuild of Worsfold’s life-saving Transporter from World War One, then road-tested to understand its bespoke functionality.
“What’s really exciting about this series is that it will remind Australians that, at our best, we are a progressive, innovative country. We thrive on challenges and these invention stories are all about people who backed themselves against the odds. Sometimes the best ideas are the ones that stand out from the pack.” Matt Parkinson said.
Group General Manager, Factual, Jim Buchan said, “It’s amazing how many Australians have contributed to inventing ingenious solutions to unique challenges. Our latest commission is a fun, warm, feel good series celebrating our nation’s pioneering spirit: a spirit of inventive problem-solving and resourcefulness demonstrated by inspiring individuals throughout our history.
“The producers SkinnyDip Pictures and Northern Pictures have done an incredible job with such an ambitious series, and our expert presenters have told these stories with real wit and candour. My personal favourites may well be the rare interviews with Australian inventors. Captured for posterity they reflect the very personal experience of some who improved daily life, while others achieved the extraordinary!”
Aussie Inventions That Changed The World is available to stream every week or watch on History on Mondays from June 24 at 7.30pm AEST.
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Top Photo: The hosts of Aussie Inventions That Changed The World