Oi, Boofhead! Plus: Gold Coins & Great Comets

In this episode of Forgotten Australia, host Michael Adams celebrates three iconic Australian cultural touchstones: the 85th birthday of the beloved comic character Boofhead, the 42nd anniversary of the $1 coin, and the legacy of astronomer John Tebbett, whose discovery of the Great Comet of 1861 led to his image being featured on the $100 note. Adams traces Boofhead’s origins to R.B. Clark, a modest textile worker who created the perpetually baffled, big-haired comic figure in 1941, highlighting how the character’s enduring popularity defied artistic merit and became a national symbol of gentle absurdity. Through Ancestry.com.au records and Trove archives, Adams uncovers the real-life roots of both Clark and Tebbett, revealing how small, overlooked details—like a ship’s passenger list or a comet’s trajectory—can reshape history. The episode also explores the cultural impact of the $1 coin, from its controversial 1984 launch to its evolving designs, including collectible Bluey-themed versions that have sparked massive demand. Ultimately, the episode underscores how forgotten figures and seemingly trivial moments—whether a comic strip, a coin, or a comet—can leave lasting imprints on national identity.