Decimal Day – 14 February 1966

In 2026, it is 60 years since decimal currency was introduced in Australia, making this an ideal opportunity to explore this significant milestone through engaging, hands-on activities.

This unique activity mat worksheet has been designed as a low-preparation revision resource to support learning about the introduction of decimal currency in Australia on 14 February 1966.

Known as Decimal Day, the change marked a major moment in Australian history, as the country moved from the pre-decimal system of pounds, shillings and pence to the decimal system of dollars and cents.

The decimal changeover was one of the largest national transitions Australia had ever undertaken. It required businesses, schools and families across the country to learn new coin values, adjust prices, and become familiar with a new way of counting money.

A nation-wide public education campaign helped Australians prepare for the change, including posters, television advertisements, and the famous “In come the dollars and in come the cents” song.

Included

The A4 printable includes a range of structured activities such as matching coin values to their designs, a terminology word search, a maze, and creative opportunities to design a banknote and coin.

Well suited to learning activities connected with:

• Australian history and national milestones
• Money and financial literacy
• Decimal Day and the 1966 currency changeover
• Australian coins and banknotes
• Australia Day (January 26)
• Mates Day (May 8)

If you didn’t know that polymer banknotes were invented in Australia, check out the Aussie Inventions Q&A Trail Activity to learn more.