Dear Collector
Welcome to the final edition of the Stamp Bulletin for the year, which brings you our Christmas stamp issues and details of this year’s annual collections.
I’d firstly like thank you, our collectors, for your continued support. My commitment to you at the beginning of the year was to keep the cost of gummed stamps issued throughout 2017 to a minimum, and I’m pleased that this year’s collections reflect that commitment. Annual collections have always been a great introduction to collecting when given as a gift, but they are also a practical way for many to obtain the gummed stamps released throughout the year.
The religious stamp designs for Christmas 2017 feature illuminations used to transform the spires and central entrance of St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney during Christmas celebrations. Wondrous displays of light and colour celebrate scenes from the Nativity. There are also two secular stamp designs for those wishing to celebrate other traditional aspects of the Christmas season.
Our Christmas Island Christmas stamp issue has Santa and his reindeer out on the golf course relaxing before a busy festive season. The stamp series continues to be a colourful and popular addition to the Christmas stamp range, and it’s always fun to see what Santa is up to as he prepares for a big night of deliveries.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Australian philatelist and current Vice President of FIP (Fédération International de Philatélie) Bernie Beston, for his candidacy for President of FIP at the next FIP Congress, which will take place in 2018. The current FIP President, Tay Peng Hian, announced Mr. Beston's candidacy at the World Stamp Exhibition in Bandung, Indonesia in August this year. Under FIP Regulations, President Tay is ineligible for a third term and must stand down at the next FIP Congress in late 2018.
At the recent Korean Congress in Seoul, Bernie was elected to FIP Vice President and currently has responsibility for postal history, astrophilately, jury apprentices, seminars and education, plus legal matters and regulations. I’m sure I join all Australian collectors in wishing Mr Beston the very best for the election taking place next year. His candidacy is endorsed by both the FIAP and the Australian Philatelic Federation.
I hope that the busy weeks ahead bring you and your family a very safe and happy Christmas and New Year.
Manager, Philatelic, Australia Post
This content was produced at the time of the Stamp Bulletin publication date and will not be updated.
