Media Release: NFSA acquires distinctive Australian pinball machines for national collection

Published Thursday 12 March 2026

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia has acquired five rare Australian-designed pinball machines, including the first licensed Star Wars pinball machine in the world. The Hankin Collection was purchased with the support of the Australian Government through the National Cultural Heritage Account.

The machines, produced by Newcastle amusement company A. Hankin & Company between 1978 and 1980, were the only locally designed machines of pinball’s golden age. They represent a milestone addition to the NFSA’s collection of digital games and their precursors.

The five machines are distinctively and individually designed, responding to pinball’s need to attract players by evoking appealing and colourful themes.  They variously feature space (Orbit 1), the FJ Holden car (FJ) which plays ‘C’mon Aussie, c’mon’, and Newcastle’s surfing culture (Shark). One model, Howzat!, celebrates Dennis Lillee, with the blessing of the cricketing great, and features cricket-themed gameplay in which players score runs and take wickets.

The final Hankin model made history when Lucasfilm unexpectedly authorised the use of the Star Wars brand in return for a machine for George Lucas’ personal enjoyment. Hankin’s The Empire Strikes Back became the first licensed Star Wars-branded machine in the world.

‘These five machines transcend their origins as arcade curiosities — they are remarkable examples of Hankin’s design ingenuity and a vivid snapshot of Australian popular culture of the time,’ said Patrick McIntyre, the NFSA’s CEO. ‘Pinball machines link physical games with today’s digital games. These mechanical examples we have acquired led to digital versions including tabletop games which evolved into home consoles and most recently to streaming games for phones. It is so great for the NFSA to be able to collect and preserve the evolutionary sweep of such an important part of today’s audiovisual culture.’

‘I’m delighted that the National Cultural Heritage Committee was able to assist with the acquisition of these wonderful machines,’ Chair of the National Cultural Heritage Committee, Professor Martin Gibbs, said. ‘They are a significant part of our national history and demonstrate how Australian ingenuity created iconic arcade games that are now treasured by global collectors. The NCHA will continue to work with collecting institutions to obtain objects from our history and protect them so that they can be enjoyed by all Australians for generations to come.’

The NFSA will make the machines available for future public display in Canberra.

The NFSA’s mini-documentary on the story of the Hankin pinballs can be viewed here.

Image available here on Dropbox.

Media enquiries and interview requests:

Louise Alley| Communications Manager, NFSA | 0422 348 652 | louise.alley@nfsa.gov.au