The History of Australian Computing

Abstract
Information technology is one of Australia’s most important and fastest-growing industries. WiFi was invented in Australia and we remain a world leader in the technology. Australia invented the black box flight recorder, the heart pacemaker, the bionic ear, ultrasound scanning, and what was to become Google Maps.

Australia was one of the first countries to enter the information age. In 1947 Australia built only the fourth stored program computer in the world, the CSIR Mark 1. Better-known as CSIRAC, this pioneering machine is on display at the Museum of Melbourne. It is the oldest still existing computer in the world. Designer and builder Trevor Pearcey was father of the Australian computer industry and a pioneer of the global ICT industry.

Graeme's talk traces the history of the Australian computer industry, from before Trevor Pearcey to the 21st century. It looks at how computers have changed business, academia, science and society. He explores the individuals and the technologies that have given Australia its vibrant computer industry. He also looks at our strengths and weaknesses, and into the future of information technology in Australia.

Biography
Graeme Philipson is an author and communicator. He writes on high technology, business and travel. He is also a market researcher and analyst, a public speaker and a published poet. Graeme is Australia’s leading computer industry historian, and author of the definitive history of the Australian IT industry, A Vision Splendid: The History of Australian Computing. He has also written the corporate histories of Fujitsu ANZ and TechnologyOne, and many articles about the history of the Australian and global IT industry.