Banknote Australia 100 Dollars John Monash - Nellie Melba - 2020 Polymer

John Monash

John Monash (1865-1931) was one of Australia's most prominent military commanders and engineers. He played a significant role in World War I and is remembered for his innovative and effective tactics.

• Early Life: Born in Melbourne to German-Jewish immigrants, Monash excelled in academics, particularly in engineering and law.
• Military Career: Monash's military career began in the Australian citizen forces before World War I. During the war, he rose to prominence due to his leadership in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF).
• WWI Contributions: As commander of the Australian Corps, Monash is renowned for his planning and execution of the Battle of Hamel in 1918, where he successfully integrated infantry, tanks, artillery, and aircraft. His leadership significantly contributed to the Allied victory on the Western Front.
• Post-War Achievements: After the war, Monash was instrumental in repatriation and commemorative efforts, including leading the State Electricity Commission of Victoria, which oversaw major infrastructure projects.

Nellie Melba

Nellie Melba (1861-1931), born Helen Porter Mitchell, was one of the world's most celebrated opera singers and Australia's first classical music star to achieve international fame.

• Early Life: Born in Richmond, Victoria, Melba displayed musical talent from a young age. She studied singing in Melbourne before moving to Europe to further her career.
• Stage Career: Melba adopted her stage name from Melbourne, her hometown. She made her professional debut in Brussels in 1887 and quickly rose to fame. Her performances in opera houses across Europe and the United States, including Covent Garden in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, were highly acclaimed.
• Signature Roles: Melba was particularly known for her roles in operas by composers such as Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart. Some of her most famous roles included Mimi in "La Bohème" and Violetta in "La Traviata."
• Legacy: Beyond her stage career, Melba contributed to the music community through teaching and charity work. She returned to Australia later in life, where she helped establish the Melba Conservatorium of Music. Melba's name lives on in various ways, including the culinary world, with the creation of dishes like Peach Melba and Melba toast named in her honor.