Aussie Advertising in the 80s was phenom, to say the least.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane…

Decore

We all remember that well overplayed Decore tune; blasting during peak TV viewing time in the late 80s early 90s. This would literally play in 15-minute increments while you were trying to choke down your Dolmio Spaghetti bolognaise (an Aussie family staple) to the point where we all still know it word for word before even clicking play. I believe Herbal Essence came in not long after and quashed this silky, soapy rinse with its heavenly botanical fragrance. Still effective nonetheless.

Sorbent

Remember the chubby little disgruntled face of Mathew Krok, famous for his role as schoolboy Arthur McArthur on ‘Hey Dad!’. This kid was so full of sh** (literally), that he couldn’t actually remember the correct logistics behind preparing his morning cornflakes, poor darlin’. See for yourself…

Colgate

Ok. This one had me sold all over again. Colgate ads featuring Mrs. Marsh and her piece of chalk were prevalent on Australian television from the 1970s to the 90s. Is it just me, or is there a very strong alignment here with Mrs. Magpie, Blinky Bill and the rest of the random marsupial clan who attended Greenpatch school?

Antz Pantz

No words. I’m just going to leave this one here.

Eighties culture is big in every way, from nostalgic TV dramas to synth pop, clip-on earrings to Sun-In spray. If you think this era is dated and “daggy” it’s time for you to undergo a clear-eyed assessment of how this cultural phenomenon of a time has constructed Australian society in a ground-breaking way. This was a time when TV, radio and cinema were finally well established enough to utilise in advertising products and services in the most creative ways. Looking back on this time is collectively as insightful and entertaining as when Harold and Madge Bishop finally reunited. See all nine minutes of this iconic moment below.

By Jessica McCabe