Stamp Bulletin 393

Hello Collectors

Welcome to the first edition of the Stamp Bulletin for 2025, in which we present new stamp releases and collectables to be released over the coming months.

The first of the stamp issues for this edition celebrates Lunar New Year – Year of the Snake 2025 with beautifully illustrated artwork by Chrissy Lau. The colours are red and gold, considered lucky in Asian cultures. The three snakes are shown in the ancient Feng Shui traditions: the Feng Shui Gold Coin Snake, the Feng Shui Gold Ingot Snake and the Feng Shui Money Tree Snake. All are indications of wealth and prosperity.

Our next release in January, Ancient Lands, features three national parks notable for their unique natural and cultural values, including globally important ancient rock art sites and enduring significance to First Nations peoples.

Native Orchids, our last release in January 2025, features three beautiful terrestrial, perennial orchids from across the continent

The February Stamp Issues begin with Norfolk Island Penal Settlement – 200 Years, highlights the rough history of Norfolk Island which was subject to two periods of penal settlement by Britain: the first from 1788 to 1814, the second from 1825 to 1855. The second penal settlement was intended to turn the island into a “great hulk or penitentiary”, a place of punishment for those recalcitrant male convicts who had reoffended since being deported to the Australian colonies.

Images from this Stamp Issue are supplied by the Norfolk Island Museum.

The Australian Honours System – 50 Years issue commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Australian honours system. More than 500,000 people have been recognised since it the system was introduced on 14 February 1975. Today, our honours showcase those amongst us who have had an impact, served and made a difference.

Finally, we wrap up Stamp Bulletin 393 with a special Stamp Issue to commemorate our Best Friends. Dogs and cats provide companionship and unconditional affection, and really are the “best friends” of many of their owners.

This bulletin also features a sneak peek of our Australian Open Collectables program, available in January, with coin embargo until 15 January 2025. There will be no pre-orders for this release. Keep an eye out for the Australia Post ‘Back to School’ retail catalogue available from 8 January 2025 for a sneak peek of the coins.

Finally, you can find licensed stamp packs for commemorating some classics on screen, including a Tom & Jerry, Lady & the Tramp and Star Wars. There is also information on the ANDA Melbourne Money Expo held on the 15-16 February 2025.