Dear Collector

Welcome to our first Bulletin of 2016. This would normally be sent to you in early December, but uncertainties about the new base rate of postage delayed its production. This edition brings you the first stamp issue with the new rate.

I have written to each of you advising of changes to the price structure. If you have not received my letter, please contact the Mail Order Bureau so the relevant information can be forwarded to you.

The Wildflowers stamp issue was released in mid-December, ahead of the rate increase, effective 4 January 2016; issue details were unavailable for the November–December edition of the Bulletin. This colourful flora issue provided general mail users with stamps ahead of the rate rise date.

This year’s Lunar New Year stamp issue celebrates the Year of the Monkey, the ninth sign in the 12-year cycle of animals in the Chinese zodiac. The base-rate stamp is offered through the Personalised Stamps™ service, which is a great option for those wishing to send personalised greetings or wanting a special collectable. The 10 new designs in the Love to Celebrate stamp issue, available on 25 January, can also be used in this manner.

A significant anniversary this year marks 50 years since the introduction of decimal currency in Australia, on 14 February 1966. The new currency fundamentally impacted everyday life, affecting individuals, businesses, community groups, government and everyone between. As the advertising jingle reminded Australians in the lead-up to the changeover, “In come the dollars, in come the cents to replace the pounds and shillings, and the pence…”

Finally, those who subscribe to the new newsletter through the Australia Post Collectables website will receive an exclusive imperforate minisheet as a thank you, as will collectors who have already subscribed. So if you haven’t yet signed up, visit the website before 31 March 2016 to receive your gift.

Michael Zsolt

Manager, Philatelic, Australia Post

This content was produced at the time of the Stamp Bulletin publication date and will not be updated.