05/03/2001
A new commemorative 20 cent coin for Victoria, jointly designed by two Victorian primary school students, was officially launched today by the Federal Minister for the Arts and the Centenary of Federation, The Hon Peter McGauran, MP.
Ryan Ladd and Mark Kennedy from Lara Lake Primary School designed the coin as part of a special series produced by the Royal Australian Mint to commemorate Australia's Centenary of Federation.
Mark and Ryan developed their joint design in response to a national competition run by the Royal Australian Mint during late 2000 when they were Year 5 students. Their design was selected from over 800 entries from approximately 270 primary and secondary schools throughout the State.
Mark and Ryan submitted a skilful hand-drawn design featuring the Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building in the centre, surrounded by Victoria's floral emblem, the Common Heath. The Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne was the venue for the opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia on 9 May, 1901.
"For thousands of years, coins have been used to commemorate events of special significance. This design will allow us to share with future generations the important developments that have shaped our nation, Mr McGauran said.
The 20c coin featuring the design by Mark and Ryan, a 50c piece depicting the Victoria Coat of Arms and a $1 coin showing the Centenary of Federation logo are combined in a Three-Coin Set for Victoria. These collector coins are now available in both proof or uncirculated versions. The coins will be released into general circulation in the second half of 2001.
The Victoria Three Coin Set is the fourth in a series of nine to be released by the Mint for all Australian States and Self-governing Territories during 2001. Coin sets for New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Queensland were recently issued. Coin sets for Norfolk Island, Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania will be progressively released through the year.
The other State and Territory coin sets will feature the common $1 coin depicting the Centenary of Federation logo, a 50c piece depicting the respective State/Territory Coat of Arms, and a 20c coin unique to each State/Territory designed by school students.
All of the coins for each State and Self-governing Territory can be collected in a 20 coin collection. The collector coin sets are available from The Royal Australian Mint on 1300 652 020, coin dealers, and in selected Australia Post outlets.
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Background
Ryan Ladd and Mark Kennedy
About their coin design...
- Winner of the Victoria section of the Centenary of Federation Coin Design Competition conducted by the Royal Australian Mint.M
- Lara Lake Primary School will be presented with a prize of $5,000 from the Royal Australian Mint for submitting the winning design.
- The selection process occurred initially at school level, after which the Royal Australian Mint selected entries for submission to the Centenary of Federation Victoria Committee. The final winning design was chosen by a panel comprised of three Federal Government Ministers.
- The design by Mark and Ryan was chosen from over 800 entries from approximately 270 primary and secondary schools throughout Victoria.
- Mark and Ryan created a joint design featuring Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building in the centre, surrounded by Victoria's floral emblem, the Common Heath.
- The Royal Exhibition Building which is featured in their design, was the venue for the opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia on 9 May, 1901.
- The 20c coin featuring their design, along with a 50c coin featuring the Victoria Coat of Arms, and a $1 coin featuring the Centenary of Federation logo are combined in a special 3 Coin Set for Victoria. These collector sets are now available in both proof and uncirculated versions.
- The 20c coin featuring their design will go into general circulation in the second half of 2001.
Personal details...
- Ryan Ladd and Mark Kennedy are both aged 11, and were in Year 5 at Lara Lake Primary School when they submitted their design. Both boys have undertaken all their schooling at Lara Lake Primary School.
- Mark has a twin brother, and also has two younger brothers who are twins. Ryan is the younger of two children.
- Both Mark and Ryan have displayed a strong interest in art. As well as showing their talent in school, they have participated in other art class programs.