2014 Australia Post New Issues CalendarFrom the first 'Roos' Kangaroo issues of 1913, Australia has been one of the most popular of all stamp issuing nations. The Australia Post site offers collectors a wealth of information, including recent issues broken down by topics such as Heritage, Military, Sports and Nature; Gifts and Collections; and Coins and Metallics. A separate Stamp & Coin Collectable'ssection includes the latest editions of Australia's Stamp Bulletin, the free Stamp Explorer e-newsletter, a record of past, current and upcoming stamp issues, Stamp Poll information, answers to stamp related questions, and studies going as far back as the 1882 Queensland Chalon Head. |
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Australian Floral Emblems [Click to see 7 designs] Released on March 24, Australia Post featured national and state floral emblems that are striking examples of Australia’s flora and form part of the nation’s identity and floral heritage. Left to right, the four domestic base-rate (70¢) stamps depict the Golden Wattle Acacia pycnantha, Tasmanian Blue Gum Eucalyptus globulus, Waratah Telopea speciosissima and the Common Heath Epacris impressa. The three large letter rate ($1.40, $2.10 and $3.50) stamps depict the Cooktown Orchid Dendrobium phalaenopsis, the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw Anigozanthos manglesii and Sturt’s Desert Pea Swainsona formosa respectively. “Australians have a love of flowers and these floral emblems are . . . Continue reading "Australia's Floral Emblems" [PDF Document] |
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Queen's 88th Birthday Celebrated [Click to see 2 designs] On April 8 Australia Post celebrated the 88th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II with the release of one domestic base-rate (70¢) stamp and one international rate ($2.60) stamp. "This royal milestone is being celebrated with two stamps using images of Her Majesty taken over recent years. We trust this stamp issue will be popular with collectors and followers of royal events," said Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt. Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926 and christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. The Queen was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. In 1952, at the age of 25, Elizabeth became Queen. Two years later the Queen . . . Continue reading "Queen's 88th Birthday Celebrated" |
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Special Occasions [Click to see 10 designs] On April 15 Australia Post issued its latest set of Special Occasions stamps. The new range in the Special Occasions series provides a selection of stamps to mark Some designs in this 10-stamp issue are occasion-specific, such as those for a wedding or an engagement, while others are of a more celebratory nature and can be used for many purposes. Apart from the two Australia map designs, the stamps can be used with the Australia Post Personalised Stamps service through which photo . . . Continue reading "Special Occasions" [PDF Document] |
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Australia Honors World War I Centenary [Click to see 5 designs] On April 22 Australia Post released the first set in a five-year series telling the chronological story of Australia’s involvement in World War I. Anzac Day, April 25, marks the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for the Anzacs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) during the First World War. As the organization that helped deliver precious letters between WWI soldiers and home, Australia Post is linked to the Anzacs, a connection which it hopes to honor through this commemorative stamp issue. “During the next five years of commemoration we hope to join all Australians in honoring the contribution made by Anzacs and hope that these stamps serve as a symbol of our appreciation to those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Michael Zsolt, Manager Philatelic, Australia Post. The series also will serve as . . . Continue reading "Australia Honors World War I Centenary" |
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100th Anniversary of the Red Cross On May 6 Australia Post commemorated the centenary of the Red Cross in Australia with the release of a new domestic base-rate (70¢) stamp. Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said “We are pleased to be able to support Australian Red Cross with the release of this commemorative stamp issue in this centenary year. We trust that the stamp will remind all Australians of the important humanitarian contribution of the organization over the last 100 years.” Australian Red Cross CEO Robert Tickner, responded, “We are honored that Australia Post has recognized the work of Australian Red Cross in this way. During our Centenary we are . . . Continue reading "Australian Red Cross Centenary Celebrated" |
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Bush Ballads [Click to see 4 designs] On May 13 Australia Post commemorated the 150th anniversary of the birth of Australian literary great, Andrew Barton “Banjo” Paterson, through a new stamp release acknowledging his iconic bush-themed ballads. A rhyming, narrative-based poem adapted for singing, the bush ballad is a unique thread of Australia’s early literary and popular culture. Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said the new Bush Ballads domestic, base-rate (70¢) stamp release, featuring four of Banjo’s best-loved ballads, was a nod to Australia’s idyllic past: “The Australian bush ballad helped create a . . . Continue reading "Australia Highlights “Banjo’s” Bush Ballads" |
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Host Australia Issues G20 Summit Commem This November Australia will host the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders Summit in Brisbane and Australia Post is marking this major event with the release of a new domestic base-rate (70c) stamp. “Australia Post is honored to commemorate the 2014 G20 Leaders Summit with this stamp issue,” said Australia Post Managing Director and CEO, Ahmed Fahour. “The hosting of the G20 Leaders Summit is the pinnacle event of Australia’s G20 Presidency. The summit gives Australia an opportunity to strengthen engagement with the world’s major economies. It will also showcase . . . Continue reading "Host Australia Issues G2 Summit Commem" |
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Beauty of Christmas Island National Park Featured on New Issue The stamps of Christmas Island are issued under the auspices of Australia Post. Although it was placed under Australian control in 1958, Christmas Island remained postally independent until 1993. Stamps issued by Australia Post since 1993 are also valid in Australia. On June 17, Australia Post issued a set of four stamps highlighting Christmas Island. The island is a place of much natural beauty and scientific interest. This peak of a submarine mountain rises to a . . . Continue reading "Beauty of Christmas Island . . . " [PDF Document] |
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Australia Brings Back King George V Stamps On June 17 Australia Post marked the centenary of its first King George V stamps with the release of four domestic base-rate (70c) stamps. These new stamps are modified designs of the original “This issue of George V-based designs marks an important era in Australian stamp production. The stamp issue also brings a new and exciting philatelic product to the range which we trust will spark interest amongst collectors,” said Australia Post Philatelic Manager, A century ago, Australia’s stamp designs were hot political topics and there was much . . . Continue reading "Australia Brings Back King George VStamps" |
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Four Centuries of Cocos (Keeling) Maps The stamps of Cocos (Keeling) Islands are issued under the auspices of Australia Post. Cocos Islands stamps are also valid in Australia. The first European sighting of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is thought to have been in 1609, by Englishman Captain William Keeling of the East India Company. Soon after, the two atolls that comprise the islands (North and South Keeling Islands) started to appear on maps. On June 24 Cocos (Keeling) Islands issued four stamps that show details of Italian, French, Dutch and English maps produced . . . Continue reading "Four Centuries of Cocos (Keeling) Maps" [PDF Document] |
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Australia Celebrates Domestic Air Mail Centenary On July 1 Australia Post issued two stamps to commemorate the centenary of domestic air mail. Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt said the centenary of domestic Air Mail was an aviation milestone and one that also highlighted the vital role air mail has played to help keep people and communities connected. “The development of aviation greatly influenced transport and communications in the early 20th century, and in a country such as Australia it helped overcome . . . Continue reading "Australia Celebrates Domestic Air Mail . . . " |
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Australia Celebrates Royal Visit On July 8 Australia Post celebrated the recent royal visit to Australia of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate) and their young child, Prince George, with a new stamp release featuring memorable engagements during their visit. Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt, said the new stamp release commemorated the iconic images of the Royal family’s visit to well-known Australian locations. “For many Australians a highlight of the visit was the family’s visit to. . . Continue reading "Australia Celebrates Royal Visit" [PDF Document] |
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Australia Features Equestrian Activities On July 15 Australia Post released a set of five stamps featuring the equestrian activities of polocrosse, cross-country, pony club, dressage and showjumping on five domestic base-rate (70c) stamps. Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said, “Many Australians enjoy horses through pony clubs, competition and leisure, and these form the focus of this stamp issue. We trust collectors and especially equine enthusiasts will jump at the opportunity to collect these equestrian-themed stamps and the associated products. “Today equestrian disciplines such as dressage, showjumping and eventing are practised at local, state and national levels, and are represented at the . . . Continue reading "Australia Features Equestrian Activities" [PDF Document] |
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Australia Features Norfolk Scenes in Joint Issue Norfolk Island is a small island in the Pacific Ocean some 850 miles east of the Australian mainland. The first European known to have sighted the island was Captain James Cook, in 1774, on his second voyage to the South Pacific on HMS Resolution. He named it after Mary Howard, Duchess of Norfolk. Originally settled by Polynesians, the island was colonized by Great Britain in 1788 and subsequently used as a British penal colony. In 1856 the inhabitants of the overcrowded Pitcairn Island, including many of the descendants of the original Bounty mutineers, were resettled on Norfolk Island. In 1914 Norfolk Island was proclaimed an . . . Continue reading "Australia Features Norfolk . . ." [PDF Document] |
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Australia Marks Dual Military Centenary On August 5 Australia Post commemorated two significant Australian military centenaries with a new se-tenant stamp issue for the first flight by an Australian military aircraft and the commissioning of Australia’s first submarines. Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt, expressing pride in the commemoration of two significant military centenaries, said “This Australian military inspired stamp release featuring aircraft and submarine vessels is a unique collectable range.” On March 1, 1914 the first flight of a military airplane took place . . . Continue reading "Australia Marks Dual . . ." [PDF Document] |
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Australia Recalls Poster Ads [Click to see 5 designs] Australia Post is celebrating a bygone era of both poster design and Australian manufacturing with an August 19 new stamp issue reproducing popular 20th century advertisements over five domestic base-rate (70c) stamps. Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said the new stamp issue reflected on earlier times when poster advertising merged with art. “The five posters featured in this stamp issue not only recall a golden age of graphic design and visual advertising, but also a time when Australian-owned business and manufacturing thrived. Many of Australia’s early posters are now . . . Continue reading "Australia Recalls Poster Ads" [PDF Document] |
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Colorful Southern Lights on Australia Stamps Southern Lights, the spectacular atmospheric phenomenon that create rainbow-like light displays in the southern Tasmanian skyline at night, are being showcased on a new stamp release by Australia Post. Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt said the stamp designs included colorful photographs that capture the unique and naturally occurring auroras taken in Tasmania. “The new stamp release celebrates a true wonder of nature—Southern Lights, formally known as the Aurora Australis—which light up the night sky and are an astounding sight for those fortunate enough to witness them. We trust these stamps will appeal to those interested in natural phenomena, collectors and photographers alike.” Auroras originate from interactions between charged particles ejected from the Sun’s atmosphere and the Earth’s magnetic field. The main discernible forms of aurora. . . Continue reading "Colorful Southern Lights on Australia Stamps" |
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Australia Post Gives Stamps the Thumbs Up Starting September 2 Australia Post is featuring five beautiful private gardens from Open Gardens Australia in a new stamp issue. Open Gardens Australia began life as Victoria's Gardens Scheme in 1987, broadening to become a national program in 2000. Since the organisation's beginning, it has showcased some 10,000 gardens, and today opens around 500 new private gardens to the public each season. It is estimated that around 200,000 adults visit the gardens annually, accompanied by countless children. Continue reading "Australia Post Gives Stamps the Thumbs Up" |
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Australian Antarctic Salutes Era of the Husky Australia is among seven nations that have claimed territory in Antarctica. The Australian Antarctic Territory is the largest territorial claim over the continent and covers much of east Antarctica. The total area is approximately 2,239,392 square miles—about the area of Australia excluding Queensland. The Australian claim is based on discovery and a long historical association with this part of Antarctica. The first Australians in Antarctica demonstrated endurance in establishing a connection with the continent and commitment to science and innovation by dedicated scientists and explorers. Continue reading "Australian Antarctic Salutes Era of the Husky" |
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Australia 'Stingers' Mark Stamp Collecting Month On September 23 Australia Post issued its annual Stamp Collecting Month (SCM) issue. For 2014, adventurer and wildlife warrior, Ben Southall, joined Australia Post in calling on stamp collectors of all ages to observe "Things that Sting". Southall—the winner of the “Best Job in the World” and former "Caretaker of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef" has spent much of his life helping to conserve wildlife living in their natural habitat, and is encouraging students across the nation to learn about and appreciate Australia’s unique and varied wildlife. The Things that Sting stamp issue features the European Wasp . . . Continue reading |
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Australia Continues Wilderness Series [Click to see 3 designs] On October 1 Australia Post issued three Wilderness stamps. The vast continent’s world-renowned natural assets include many regions of virtually untouched wilderness. This stamp issue, the second in a series, includes these three areas noted for natural beauty and cultural significance: • Judbarra/Gregory National Park, the largest in the Northern Territory, boasts spectacular ranges, gorges, birdlife and rock art, and incorporates the traditional lands of several Indigenous peoples. Continue reading "Australia Continues Wilderness Series" |
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It’s Post Time for Australia Post Australia collectors are racing toward a photo-finish to collect a new stamp issue featuring four major metropolitan horseracing courses: Eagle Farm (Queensland), Royal Randwick (New South Wales), Morphettville (South Australia) and Flemington (Victoria). Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said, "Horseracing is one of the country's most popular spectator sports, and this stamp issue comes just in time for spring racing season. We trust collectors and horseracing enthusiasts will jump at the opportunity to… Continue reading "It’s Post Time for Australia Post" |
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1914 Victory at Sea on Cocos Islands Stamps Australia’s first victory at sea during World War I is commemorated in a new stamp release by Australia Post. Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt said this wartime event is historically significant as it was the first engagement fought by a warship of the fledgling Royal Australian Navy. "The 'Battle of Cocos Islands', as it’s sometimes described, took place on 9 November 1914 when the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney responded to an attack by the . . . Continue reading " 1914 Victory at Sea on Cocos Islands Stamps " |
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Australia Honors Its Defence Force On October 21, in the lead up to Remembrance Day, Australia Post honored the contribution made by its defense forces over the last century with a new stamp issue. Australia Post Managing Director and Group CEO, Ahmed Fahour, said this year commemorates the centenary of World War I and this stamp issue remembers the contribution made by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). "We hope that these stamps serve as a symbol of our appreciation to those who have served and continue to serve our nation," Mr. Fahour said. … Continue reading "Australia Honors Its Defence Force" |
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Deck the Halls…with Christmas Stamps On October 31 Australia and Christmas Island issued their popular annual Christmas stamps. Australia’s issue consists of two religious and four contemporary designs, while Christmas Island features two humorous stamps. This year’s Australia religious stamps are based on stained-glass windows in Melbourne’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is both the tallest and the largest church building in Australia and one of the world’s… Continue reading "Deck the Halls…with Christmas Stamps" |
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This material has been reproduced with permission of Australia Post. © Australian Postal Corporation 2014. |
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