Aussie Pinball Machines: A Slice of History

0:00Stay informed in two minutes or less with Adelaide News today from The Daily News Now. A full set of working Australian-made pinball machines from the late 1970s is now joining the National Film and Sound Archive Collection. These Hanken machines include unique designs featuring cricket star Dennis Lilly, the classic FJ Holden car, and even the world's first Star Wars. Pinball, based on the Empire Strikes Back. Back then, brothers David and Peter Hanken started building them in Newcastle because import costs for four machines were too high due to trade, protections. With help from local university engineers, their team of 50 produced about 1,150 machines across five models, all tailored to Aussie Taste. These games captured a slice of local culture but faced backlash in a so-called pinball panic. Communities worried arcades led kids astray, sparking investigations, and calls for shutdowns. David Hanken defended the industry on national TV, but video games like Space Invaders soon killed demand overnight.

1:03We made them special, we're lucky breaks. Like securing the Star Wars license from George Lucas for just one finished machine, or using there. Accountant's connection to Get Lilly's image on the House At Model, only around 150 survived today, mostly non-working. The archive plans to display them later this year, keeping them playable as digital heritage. The family company, started in 1955, still thrives today making pool tables across Australia. This episode is proudly sponsored by our partner. Do not just fall asleep, drift into what you are listening to, S-O-L-I-SallyPillow.com.