Celebrating inventors, designers and creators of the past

National Inventors Day is a time to honour the minds that shaped our world and inspire the creators of tomorrow.

Each year on February 11, National Inventors Day reminds us to celebrate the visionaries who transformed everyday life through innovation. From groundbreaking technologies to cultural contributions, inventors have left a lasting legacy - many of whom now rest in peace across Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) memorial parks in Melbourne.

As custodians of history, we proudly share the stories of Australian inventors and creators whose contributions continue to inspire.

Henry Sutton (1855–1912) – Brighton General Cemetery

Pioneer of Wireless Communication and Flight

Born in Ballarat, Henry Sutton was a prolific inventor whose curiosity sparked at age 11. By 14, he had read every scientific book in the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute. His achievements include:

• Designing early wireless radios
• Creating multiple telephone prototypes
• Building a torpedo and experimenting with heavier-than-air flight

Henry Sutton is now recognised as one of Australia’s earliest innovators in aviation and communication. His legacy lives on through the book Henry Sutton: The Innovative Man, published by his great-granddaughter.

Walter Reginald Hume (1873–1943) – Springvale Botanical Cemetery

Inventor of the Centrifugal Concrete Pipe Process

In 1910, Walter Hume co-founded Hume’s Patent Cement Iron Syndicate Ltd, revolutionising infrastructure with his centrifugal concrete pipe manufacturing process. His invention:

• Reduced costs for water, sewerage, and drainage systems
• Was exported globally before World War II
• Led to over 60 factories across Australasia, including New Zealand and Singapore

Walter Hume’s impact on civil engineering remains foundational to Australia’s infrastructure development.

Christina Rutherford MacPherson (1864–1936) – St Kilda Cemetery

Composer of “Waltzing Matilda”

Though not an inventor in the traditional sense, Christina MacPherson is credited with composing the original music for “Waltzing Matilda”, Australia’s unofficial national anthem.

Her manuscript, discovered posthumously in 1971, revealed that the melody was adapted from a folk tune she heard played by a brass band. Christina’s contribution to Australian cultural heritage is now widely recognised.

William Ramsay (1868–1914) – Melbourne General Cemetery

Founder of Kiwi Shoe Polish

Born in Glasgow and raised in Melbourne, William Ramsay co-founded a small factory in Carlton producing household goods. In 1906, he launched Kiwi boot polish, named in honour of his wife’s New Zealand heritage.

By 1908, Ramsay introduced Dark Tan, the first stain polish that:

• Polished and preserved leather
• Restored colour to fading shoes
• Became a household name across Australia within three years

Today, Kiwi remains one of the world’s most recognised shoe polish brands, with origins rooted in Melbourne innovation.

Honouring Innovation at SMCT Memorial Parks

From engineering breakthroughs to cultural milestones, these inventors and creators helped shape Australia’s identity. At SMCT, we honour their memory and invite visitors to explore the rich history embedded in our cemeteries.

Whether you're visiting Brighton, Springvale, St Kilda, or Melbourne General Cemetery, you’ll find stories of Australian ingenuity waiting to be discovered. Discover more with our Deceased Search tool.