The world's first polymer note

Front: HMS Supply, one of a group of eleven ships to become known as the "First Fleet"

The ships left Portsmouth, England, on May 13, 1787 and established a settlement at Sydney Cove on January 26, 1788. A medley of people in the background serves to illustrate the diverse ethnicity of the nation.

Back: An Aboriginal youth wearing body paint, a Morning Star Pole and rock paintings

Front: Elizabeth II (1926-), Queen of United Kingdom, British colonies and Commonwealth of Nations

Back: Australia's new Federal Parliament on Capital Hill, Canberra

On 1st January 2001, Australia celebrated 100 years of Federation under which the six self-governing colonies combined to form the Commonwealth of Australia.

Front: Sir Henry Parkes (1815-1896), the "Father of Federation"

A long advocate of federation, he breathed life into the ailing movement with a rousing speech in Tenterfield, New South Wales, in 1889. He continued to work towards this goal but died in 1896.

Back: Catherine Helen Spence (1825-1910), journalist and social reformer

She was very active in the cause of state children, a novelist and a prominent supporter of electoral reform.

Front: Andrew "Banjo" Patterson (1864-1941), Australia's leading bush poet

His two most famous works are "Waltzing Matilda" and "The Man from Snowy River".

Back: Mary Gilmore (1864-1962), as a young woman in the foreground and in her later year in the background

Gilmore was a celebrated author, poet, and social reformer campaigning for voting rights for women, relief of the poor and disadvantaged through a government welfare system and improved treatment of aborigines.

Front: Mary Reibey (1777-1855), business woman

Reibey arrived in Sydney in 1792 as a 15 year old convict, inherited numerous businesses and properties upon the death of her husband. She owned the schooner "Mercury" which is depicted on the left of the note, and the building in George Street, Sydney which is shown on the right of the note.

Back: John Flynn (1880-1951), Presbyterian minister

He worked tirelessly in isolated communities in Australia's far flung areas. His work resulted in the eventual establishment of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.