Norfolk Island: Norfolk Blue

Overview

Cows have right of way on Norfolk Island roads, rather than cars. While cattle grids exist to prevent cattle from accessing the main street and shopping centre, it is not uncommon to find them roaming free along Norfolk Island’s inland roads.

When Norfolk Island was a British penal colony (first in 1788 and then in 1825), the English authorities brought English cattle breeds to the island. When the penal settlements closed, the existing government-owned cattle were left behind for the new settlers, who arrived from Pitcairn Island in 1856. Various efforts were made to prevent the cattle from becoming inbred, including the importation of a blue-coloured Angus-Aberdeen bull. Over time, the resulting cattle began to throw a grey-blue colour. The Norfolk Blue, the island’s own unique breed, is mid-sized, with a pleasant temperament, and has a blue or blue and white coat, the white helping to keep the animals cool in hot weather.

Technical specifications

Issue date: 02-June-2020
Issue withdrawal date: 30-June-2021
Denomination: $1.10 x 1, $2.20 x 1
Stamp design: Jo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio
Product design: Jo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio
Paper: gummed: Tullis Russell
Printer: RA
Printing process: Offset lithography
Stamp size (mm): 26 x 37.5
Minisheet size (mm): 135 x 80
Perforations: 14.6 x 13.86
Sheet layout: Modules of 50
FDI Postmark: Norfolk Island NSW 2899
FDI withdrawal date: 02-September-2020

Stamps in this issue

$1.10 - Norfolk Blue bull

This stamp design features a Norfolk Blue bull, against a backdrop of Norfolk Island Pines. The photograph is by Jodie Williams, courtesy of Robyn Menghetti.