While it may cause confusion when talking to interstaters, the South Australian icon, the Stobie pole, is celebrating its 100th birthday this year.
Formally patented in July 1924 by the Adelaide Electric Supply Company and first installed on South Terrace in the city of Adelaide that same year, there are now more than 650,000 Stobie poles across the state.
An invention borne out of necessity due to a wood shortage and termite issues, the concrete and steel electricity pole was the brainchild of engineer James 'Cyril' Stobie and has become iconic over the past century.
"The Stobie is a distinctly South Australian icon, as unique as the Hills Hoist, Coopers Beer and Frog Cakes," SA Power Networks head of corporate affairs Paul Roberts said.
"The beauty is that while it has served us well for 100 years, it will continue to have a central role in the state's power supply for many years to come even as we shift to a renewable energy system."
The Stobie's birthday will feature in various arts, history and community events, culminating in a birthday party at the SAPN Stobie plant at Angle Park in mid-July.
"Every Stobie manufactured at Angle Park this year will be stamped to commemorate the anniversary," Mr Roberts said.
"We are particularly looking forward to our 2024 partnerships with the History Trust and Helpmann Academy.
"This year's History Festival in May has the incredibly appropriate theme of 'Power' and the Stobie will be used to honour 100 wonderful South Australians. We will open the Angle Park facility for public tours during the Festival.
"Also, we have commissioned a very special arts installation with the Helpmann Academy which supports new and emerging artists."
More details about the events will be released in coming months.
