The Australia Post Philatelic team is hard at work, preparing for one of the biggest events in the 2017 philatelic calendar: The Melbourne 2017 International Stamp Exhibition (the 34th Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP) International Exhibition).
There will be plenty to do and see for novice collectors, more seasoned philatelists and for those deeply interested in philatelic history and design. As well as more than 70 expo stands featuring dealers, auctioneers, mints and postal administrators, there will be over 20,000 pages of competitive exhibits from 18 countries, and the non-competitive exhibit ‘ROYALPEX” by members of the Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria.
In fact, the Expo will feature the largest collection of philatelic and numismatic items on show in Australia since 2013!
What’s on offer from Australia Post?
For more information on these exciting products, take a look at Stamp Bulletin 345.
Australia Post is the Principal sponsor of the Melbourne 2017 FIAP International Stamp Exhibition, melbourne2017.com.au. The official Australia Post stand will include a retail store and a special exhibition featuring rare philatelic material from the Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria Collection and the Australia Post National Philatelic Collection.
Australia Post will release a number of exciting products at the Exhibition:
- A stamp issue commemorating the 150th anniversary of Arthur Streeton’s birth and 100th anniversary of Sidney Nolan’s birth.
- The Rare Beauties stamp issue, which showcases precious Australian gemstones. Plus, there will be exciting daily releases of stunning limited edition Rare Beauties minisheets and medallion covers!
- Six Holden postal and numismatic covers (PNCs) showcasing the iconic LJ Torana and HX Sandman, VC Commodore, HQ Kingswood, FB & EH models – four PNCs are limited edition, with only 1,000 produced, so get in early!
- An HSV stamp pack, celebrating 30 years of Australian high performance vehicles and including images of classic models, such as the 1988 VN Walkinshaw.
There will be licensed stamp packs available too, including Fireman Sam, Tom & Jerry, the Smurfs and the King himself, Elvis Presley.
Classic Holdens on display
At the front of the grandstand, the Trafalgar Holden Museum will display the classic Holdens featured on the newly released PNCs. These vehicles are in superb condition and museum personnel will be present to answer any questions.
Customisable products!
You have an opportunity to build your own medallion cover, with a personalised inscription on the medallion – a unique keepsake!
Meet the creative team behind the stamps
At various times during the expo, stamp designers will be present to sign products and answer questions. Philatelic researchers will also be on hand, to have a chat about their role in the stamp production process. You can even share your ideas for future stamp issues!
Visit our postmarking stand
There will be a variety of postmarks available each day of the exhibition from our dedicated postmarking stand.
Event snapshot
The Melbourne 2017 International Stamp Exhibition
Date: Thursday 30 March 2017 to Sunday 2 April 2017
Venue: Rupert Clark Grandstand, Caulfield Racecourse
Tickets: Daily Pass: $10
Season Pass: $25
(Under 17s admitted free of charge, when attending with an accompanying adult)
Opening hours:
30 March: 10am–6pm
31 March: 10am–6pm
1 April: 10am–5pm
2 April: 10am–4pm
Parking and public transport
Members carpark – access from Smith Street for free parking. There is a subway (with stairs) from the Members carpark to within the grounds of Caulfield racecourse. This avoids the need to cross Station Street. If tickets are required, turn left towards the ticket booth at Gate 23. If this park is full, attendees will be directed to the Kambrook / Maple carpark for free parking at Gate 2.
Guineas carpark – paid public parking, for use if Members and Kambrook / Maple carparks are full and is located on Station Street opposite Caulfield Station.
Caulfield racecourse is also approachable by train, tram and bus public transport, and taxi. For further details visit the PTV website.
Tickets on sale now
Tickets for the 2017 Melbourne International Stamp Exhibition are on sale now, online, via mail order on 1800 331 794 (+61 3 9887 0033 from overseas), and via participating Post Offices, while stocks last.
Look out next month, as we start to count down to the one of the biggest philatelic events of the year!
* While stocks last. Where products are available in limited numbers Australia Post has the right to limit numbers available for sale to individual customers based on demand.
*This article was produced at the time of publication and will not be updated.
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