National Film and Sound Archive Secures Rare Australian Pinball Collection
The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) in Canberra has made a significant acquisition, purchasing five rare pinball machines that were designed and manufactured in Australia. These unique machines, produced by the Newcastle-based amusement company A. Hankin and Company between 1978 and 1980, represent the only models ever created entirely on Australian soil. Visitors to the archive will soon be able to view these historical artifacts, though they will be for display only, with no interactive gameplay permitted.
Innovation Born from Necessity
David Hankin, the designer behind these pinball machines, explained that the family decided to produce their own machines for their amusement arcade on Hunter Street in Newcastle. This move was driven by a desire to avoid the high costs associated with importing machines from the United States. "We wanted to create something locally that could compete on a global scale," Hankin noted, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of the era.
The collection includes the cricket-themed Howzat! machine, which celebrates legendary cricketer Dennis Lillee, who personally endorsed the game. This machine features gameplay where players score runs and take wickets, immersing users in a cricket experience. Other machines in the collection showcase diverse Australian themes: Orbit 1 explores space, FJ pays homage to the iconic FJ Holden car with the tune "C'mon Aussie, c'mon," and Shark reflects Newcastle's vibrant surfing culture.
A Star Wars Milestone
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Hankin collection is its connection to Star Wars history. The final model, The Empire Strikes Back, became the first licensed Star Wars-branded pinball machine in the world after Lucasfilm unexpectedly authorized its use. In exchange, George Lucas received a machine for his personal enjoyment. "We were flabbergasted," David Hankin recalled. "As a small Australian manufacturer, competing with larger global companies, it was an incredible achievement to gain Lucas' approval."
The Decline and Legacy of Pinball
The rise of video games, particularly with the advent of Space Invaders, led to a rapid decline in pinball popularity during the early 1980s. Hankin observed that pinball machines became nearly worthless overnight as arcades shifted focus to digital entertainment. "The fact was, you couldn't give a pinball machine away once Space Invaders came out," he said. Despite financial losses from their pinball ventures, the Hankin family later recognized the significance of their accomplishment in holding their own against international manufacturing giants.
Preserving Australian Cultural Heritage
NFSA chief executive Patrick McIntyre emphasized the importance of these machines in Australia's social history. "These five machines transcend their origins as arcade curiosities—they are remarkable examples of Hankin's design ingenuity and a vivid snapshot of Australian popular culture of the time," he stated. The acquisition was made possible with support from the Australian government through the National Cultural Heritage Account, ensuring these pieces are preserved for future generations.
The Hankin Collection will be displayed at the NFSA in Acton, Canberra, offering a glimpse into a unique chapter of Australian innovation. While visitors cannot play the machines, they can appreciate the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind each design. Additionally, the NFSA has produced a mini-documentary on the Hankin pinball company, further exploring this fascinating story of local enterprise and creativity.
