The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) has announced the addition of nine audio recordings to its Sounds of Australia collection for 2026. These selections are made to preserve items reflecting Australia's historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance.
The new entries span a range of genres and media, from viral internet phenomena and popular music to significant speeches and historical broadcasts.
The NFSA's "Sounds of Australia" collection aims to preserve items reflecting Australia's historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance through sound.
About the Sounds of Australia Collection
Established in 2007, the Sounds of Australia collection aims to reflect Australian life through sound. Recordings are nominated by the public and must be over a decade old. An annual panel of industry and NFSA sound experts then votes on the entries for induction.
NFSA Chief Curator Meagan Loader has noted that the archive seeks to collect content that resonates with all Australians and reflects the diversity of Australian experiences. The NFSA currently houses over 300,000 audio items, with approximately one-third undergoing digitisation for preservation. The collection is accessible on the NFSA's website.
New Additions to the Collection
The nine recordings added to the 2026 collection include:
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Jack Karlson's "Democracy Manifest" Speech (1991): This recording captures Jack Karlson's arrest on August 11, 1991. Karlson, a bit-part actor, gained notoriety for his vocal resistance during the arrest.
"Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest! What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?" and "I see you know your judo well."
Original footage achieved global viral status in 2013 after being shared by US content creator Ray William Johnson. Karlson, who passed away in 2024, later commented on the event, stating he was unsure what prompted his outburst. -
"You" by Marcia Hines (1977): This dance track is the oldest addition to the 2026 list. It is recognized as a soul-pop anthem and a breakthrough hit for Hines.
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Rosie Batty's Australian of the Year Acceptance Speech (2015): This nationally broadcast speech was delivered by Rosie Batty, an advocate against domestic violence, and was dedicated to her son, Luke. It is one of the few non-music audio additions, combining personal experience with a call for accountability and change.
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ABC Kimberley Radio Broadcast of Federal Court Native Title Determination at Noonkanbah Station (2007): This broadcast from ABC Kimberley Breakfast marked the first live radio broadcast of a native title determination, recognizing the Yungngora people's native title.
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PB/5 Pedestrian Crossing Signal (1984): This distinctive sound, designed for pedestrians who are blind or have low vision, has become recognized in Australia and adopted internationally. The signal was sampled in Billie Eilish’s 2019 song "Bad Guy."
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"Shaddap You Face" by Joe Dolce (1981): A multimillion-selling comedy song, this track achieved international chart success and is noted for reflecting the emergence of multicultural voices in Australian popular culture.
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"Tabaran" Music Video by Not Drowning, Waving and Musicians of Rabaul featuring Telek (1990): This recording represents a regional collaboration, featuring Kuanua and Tok Pisin vocals combined with contemporary studio production.
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Reading Writing Hotline Jingle (2001): A memorable jingle for a community service announcement aimed at improving adult literacy.
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"Scar" by Missy Higgins (2004): The lead single from Higgins' debut album, this song topped the ARIA Singles Charts and is noted for its message of self-belief. It was also recently voted highly in a Triple J poll of Australian songs.