The Reserve Bank today announced the new $100 banknote will be released into general
circulation
on 29 October 2020. Existing $100 banknotes retain legal tender status and can
continue to be
used.
The new banknotes have been in production since mid-2019 and will soon be distributed
ahead of their
release into general circulation. With more than 400 million $100 banknotes in
circulation,
the release is a big logistical exercise. As with any new banknote it will take time for
them to be
widely available.
The new $100 banknote celebrates the contributions of two outstanding Australians,
Sir John Monash
and Dame Nellie Melba. Sir John Monash was an engineer, soldier and civic leader. He was
a significant
figure in the building-construction industry. Monash is also widely recognised for his
service as a
commander in the First World War. Dame Nellie Melba was an internationally renowned
soprano who
performed in Australia, Europe and the United States of America in the late 19th and
early 20th century.
Melba also made important contributions to the arts through teaching at the Melba
Memorial
Conservatorium of Music, now the Melba Opera Trust, in her home town of Melbourne.
The Reserve Bank has been working closely with manufacturers of cash-handling machines
and businesses
that use the machines to prepare for the new banknotes.
New $100 banknotes can be purchased over-the-counter at the Reserve Bank’s
Sydney Head Office
(65 Martin Place) and Canberra branch (20-22 London Circuit). Consistent with
current health
measures, customers will need to provide contact and collection details in advance of
their purchase.
For details on purchase and collection arrangements, visit Collecting Banknotes.
Full details of the design and security features on the new $100 banknote, and other
denominations, are available on the Bank’s website at banknotes.rba.gov.au.
