Ten Stamps Celebrate 200 Years Of Postal Services In Australia

Media Release

Embargo: Wednesday, 25 March, 2009

Ten stamps celebrate 200 years of Postal Services in Australia Ten stamps celebrating two hundred years of postal services in Australia have been released as part of Australia Post's bicentenary celebrations. The stamps highlight the contribution the postal service has made to the lives of Australians since Isaac Nichols became the first postmaster of New South Wales in 1809.

"The story of Australia Post is inextricably linked to the history of this nation, with the post helping to bring Australians together through defining moments such as the gold rush, Federation and the world wars." said Mr Noel Leahy, Group Manager of Philatelic, Australia Post.

"These ten stamps visually tell the story of 200 years of postal services in Australia and the important role they have played in the development of our nation. Each of the stamps feature a postmark relating to the period depicted by the stamp.

"From connecting the colonies to distant Europe, to forging overland mail routes and building the nation's communications infrastructure, the postal service has left an indelible impression on Australia."

The stamps, designed by Lynette Traynor of the Australia Post Design Studio, feature key historic moments including an illustration of the appointment of Australia's first postmaster, archival photographs of early regional post offices, early air mail services to regional communities and the importance of the postie.

"This release shows how during times of war, Australian soldiers received letters carrying news from loved ones at home that boosted their morale," said Mr Leahy.

"The stamps depict how the one million migrants who came to Australia in the expansionary years that followed World War II, received much needed news from relatives and friends back home.

Mr Leahy said recent developments such as the introduction of Express Post, the evolution of retail PostShops as a community hub, and the introduction of the environmentally friendly Euro 5 Volvo FH520 prime mover to deliver the mail are also celebrated on the stamps.

Other collectable products in this issue include a first day cover, stamp pack, roll of 100 x self adhesive stamps, booklet of 10 x 55c stamps, stamp and coin cover, blank first day cover, affixed first day cover, prestige booklet and maxicard set.

The issue is available at selected Australia Post outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 or online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps from 25 March 2009.

For further information, please contact:

Stuart Osbourne
PR for Australia Post
M: 0412 190 820
P: 03 9696 2636
E: [email protected]

Samantha Lew
Marketing Communications Manager
Philatelic Group
Australia Post
P: 03 9204 7734
E: [email protected]

SOURCE: Australia Post