Canberra's Vintage Computer Exhibition Celebrates Computing History

This Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Canberra Vintage Computer Exhibition will take place at Daramalan College, showcasing a rich history of computing from the 1960s to the early 2000s. The event, organized by the Canberra Vintage Computer Enthusiasts and supported by the Australian Computer Museum, aims to educate attendees about the evolution of technology and rekindle interest in retro machines. According to James McNeill, the exhibition's organizer, the event promises to attract technology enthusiasts eager to share their knowledge and passion for vintage computing.

The exhibition will feature iconic machines, including Cold War-era university computers and mainframes that played pivotal roles in banking and major institutions. The spotlight will be on the Amiga PC, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. David Pleasance, a former senior executive at Commodore, will deliver the keynote address. Pleasance, who authored "Commodore: The Inside Story," expressed his excitement about the ongoing relevance of vintage technology.

McNeill will also present his SGI Octane from 1997, a high-end graphics workstation once valued at $100,000, now a fascinating piece of computing history. The exhibition will feature interactive exhibits, panel sessions, classic games, and even music composition demonstrations, providing attendees with a comprehensive overview of historical and nostalgic technology.

"For many, retro technology evokes nostalgia—these were the computers on which they first learned programming or played their favorite childhood games," McNeill stated. However, the event is also attracting younger generations who are forming retro computer clubs and exploring the significance of historical technology in today's digital age.

This year's exhibition not only highlights the journey from specialized machines to ubiquitous computing but also emphasizes how computing has permeated every aspect of modern life. Children today learn to navigate computers almost instinctively, a stark contrast to earlier generations who viewed these machines as highly specialized tools. The exhibition will take place from 10 AM to 3 PM, and admission is free for all attendees. More information can be found on the official Visit Canberra website.