Canberra, March 18 -- The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced that the new five-dollar banknote will honor First Nations people's deep connection to the country, replacing the image of the monarch.

The theme was selected from over 2,100 public nominations following consultations with First Nations organizations, "which will honor the enduring emotional, spiritual, and physical connection of First Nations peoples to Country," said an RBA release on Monday.

RBA Assistant Governor Michelle McPhee described the theme as reflecting the profound bond between Indigenous peoples and the land, waters, and sky, which will guide the creation of an artwork that will feature on the redesigned banknote.

The design will be the first banknote ...