Dictionary of Sydney

The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

Reserve Bank of Australia

Australia's central bank, formed by the Reserve Bank Act of 1959 that separated the central banking role of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia from its commercial functions. The bank commenced operations in January 1960 under its first Governor, Dr HC Coombs.

Milestone
Formed
14 Jan 1960
Position
1960 - 1968
Property
Comprises
Occupied
1964 -
Type

Reserve Bank of Australia Building, 65 Martin Place, Sydney

,
2018

The Reserve Bank building on Martin Place was designed in 1959 to establish a distinct public profile for the new institution in order to ensure its public recognition and confidence. Its position at the junction of Martin Place and Macquarie Street complements its identity as an organisation that is central to the functioning of the Australian economy, but also an institution that represents the interests of the Australian people and remains accountable to them.