Extraordinary Everyday: How the Aussie lawnmower shaped our identity

Extraordinary Everyday: How the Aussie lawnmower shaped our identity

What can a lawnmower reveal about the Australia that emerged after World War II? More than a machine for trimming grass, the Victor lawnmower became a powerful symbol of suburban aspiration, backyard pride, masculinity and Australian ingenuity. But where did it start? And how did it evolve?

Extraordinary Everyday: What's Really in Your Cup? The 5,000-Year Journey of Tea

Australians love a good cuppa, but do you know the twists and turns this little leaf has taken over the years? From being brewed in medicinal bowls to being “jiggled” in a tea bag - the distilling of tea has its own fascinating history.

The Home Front, Lessons from afar

In episode five of our special series The Home Front, around the globe, architects and designers are reimagining housing with bold, inventive solutions - from sprawling multi use compounds in Indonesia to compact cooperative models in Europe.  These global experiments offer fresh perspectives on affordability, sustainability and community. But could they work in Australia? In this episode, we explore what local housing can learn from international innovations - and how these ideas might be adapted to fit our unique social and environmental context.

Extraordinary Everyday: Do locks really keep you safe?

Locks have existed as long as we’ve had something to keep safe. From ancient Sumeria to the lock on your front door - the design evolution of locks is a series of twists and turns. So how well do locks today stand up against their predecessors? And what is the future of safety in a world of AI?

The Home Front, Money money money

In episode four of our special series The Home Front, we all know that house prices have gone through the roof - but what’s driving them, and what can actually be done? In this episode we dig into the money behind the housing crisis; from tax policy and global market shifts to government targets and the growing role of intergenerational wealth. We explore how renters and homeowners alike are feeling the squeeze, and ask what kind of radical policy - and cultural - change it will take to make housing more equitable for all Australians. Because this isn’t just an economic problem. It’s a social one. And it’s going to take more than creativity to fix it.