Australia Post pays tribute to the pioneering Gould League in its centenary year (1909–2009), with the release of the stunning Australian Songbirds stamp issue on Wednesday 9 September. John Gould, in whose honour the Gould League was named, first described two of the species shown on the stamps.
“For 100 years, the Gould League has done an amazing job of educating Australian children and the broader community about the importance of environmental protection and sustainability,” said Mr Noel Leahy, Group Manager Philatelic, Australia Post. “The Australian Songbirds stamp issue aims to endorse the work of the Gould League by helping raise awareness of our native fauna and the importance of protecting it.”
The Gould League is an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to environmental education and training in sustainability. For decades it has been at the forefront of environmental education in Australian schools. An embroidered Gould League centenary badge is featured in a limited edition of 15,000 prestige first day covers ($9.95). A prestige booklet ($12.95) features a glimpse into John Gould’s work on Australian birdlife and a short history on the Gould League.
Englishman John Gould (1804–1881) is regarded as the father of ornithology in Australia, courtesy of his comprehensive study of Australian birds and his prolific work as a publisher of natural history from the mid to late19th century. Gould identified 328 Australian bird species including the Noisy Scrub-bird, which is native to Two Peoples Bay in Western Australia, and the Mangrove Golden Whistler, which occupies a broad range along Australia’s northern coastline from Queensland to Western Australia.
The stamp issue also features the Green Catbird, found in two coastal areas of Queensland and on the central New South Wales coast, and the Scarlet Honeyeater, a member of the most abundant family of birds in Australia.
The four stamps feature depictions of native songbirds by leading wildlife artist Christopher Pope who acquired his love of wildlife while growing up in small regional South Australian towns. Songbird species are significant to Australia as Australian researchers, including Les Christidis of Sydney’s Australian Museum, recently proved that all of the world’s 4,500 species of songbird originated in ancient Gondwana (of which Australia was once part).
A booklet of 10 self-adhesive stamps, a roll of 100 stamps, a first day cover, stamp pack and a set of maxicards are also available. The full range can be obtained from participating Australia Post outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 or online at auspost.com.au/stamps from Wednesday 9 September 2009 while stocks last.  |
