New stamps a real show stopper
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Every year millions of Australians attend shows to enjoy the activities and exhibits put on by agricultural societies around the country. Australia Post has recognised the importance of these agricultural shows by issuing Come to the Show stamps, today.
Australia Post Philatelic Group Manager, Noel Leahy said, "Agricultural shows provide the opportunity for parents to share their own childhood experiences with their children - be it showing them the agricultural exhibits or the fun of the fair including rides and show bags."
The 5 x 55c stamps feature a prize bull, cake decorating, horse competition, wood chopping and a dog show. The stamps were illustrated by Sydney-based illustrator Stuart McLachlan, who previously designed the 2009 Inventive Australia stamp issue.
"As well as showcasing Australia's primary industries, the vibrancy and colour of our agricultural shows have been beautifully captured in these stamps." Mr Leahy said.
The first agricultural society in Australia was formed in Hobart in January 1822. Other Australian colonies soon followed with agricultural societies established in New South Wales 1822, Perth in 1829, Adelaide in 1839 and Port Phillip/Victoria in 1840. These societies took the lead in establishing agricultural shows and making them an integral part of Australian life.
Today more than six million people attend 600 shows held around Australia to see livestock and well-groomed dogs, equestrian events, wood choppers, and cake decorators vie to take out prestigious prizes. The unforgettable sight of the show is the Grand Parade where prize animals from bulls to Clydesdales fill the arena.
This stamp issue includes a minisheet, a stamp pack, a first day cover, a self-adhesive booklet x 10, a maxicard set of five, a prestige booklet, a decorative gutter strip x 10 stamps and a limited-edition prestige first day cover complete with show magnet and blue foiled postmark. There will also be "Show Time" souvenir covers available for each state Royal Show and available at the time of the individual show's open day. Visit the website for details on each state Royal Show.
The Come to the Show stamp issue and associated products are available at participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps from 23 March 2010 while stocks last.
