The Colonial Collection – a new series of stamp issues – is about to carry Australian historical themes beyond the Bicentenary. The first stamps, a se-tenant strip of five 39c stamps depicting the The Pastoral Era, will be released on 10 May 1989.
The period between 1810 and 1850 saw a major transformation in the Colony of New South Wales. From painful origins as a penal dumping-ground, Australia began its development into a land of opportunity for Australian born children of the early convicts, and migrants seeking a life better than their European homelands could offer.
Lachlan Macquarie took office as Governor of New South Wales on the first day of January 1810. His programme of public buildings saw the settlement at Sydney and surrounding towns develop an air of sophistication.
Explorers ventured inland in search of the fabled inland sea. Some found fertile land. Most discovered only parched semi-desert.
John Macarthur, William Cox, the Reverend Samuel Marsden and Alexander Riley were among men of vision who changed the pastoral scene from a subsistence level into a profitable industry. Sheep were bred for wool as well as mutton and their numbers increased rapidly. Pastoralists looked for land beyond the confines of the nineteen counties around Sydney. Many took up illegal runs and became known as “squatters.”
Expansion was not without conflict. Aborigines, denied access to traditional hunting grounds and water-holes, retaliated by killing the pastoralists’ sheep and cattle. In turn, the pastoralists fought to protect their stock.
Stamps depicting this colourful era will be issues as a se-tenant strip. A topographical panorama unites the five stamps, below which depicts Colonial period scenes have been executed in the style of the time.
Details
- Date of Issue: 10 May 1989
- Date Withdrawn:
- 23 May 1989 (First Day Cover)
- 29 September 1989 (stamps & stamp pack)
- Designer: David Lancashire
- Printer: Leigh-Mardon Pty Limited, Melbourne
- Press:
- Process: Photolithography
- Colours: Red – Yellow – Magenta – Cyan – Black – Grey
- Paper: Harrison
- Perf: 14.3 (comb)
- Sheet: 50 stamps in two panes of 25 (R5 x 5) separated by vertical gutter.
- Quantity:
Subjects
First Day Cover (Official)
National First Day of Issue Postmarker (Parramatta NSW 2150)
Stamp Pack
Collectors Cards
Maximum Cards
Australia Post Publications
1989 Australian Stamp Bulletin No.199 (April-May)
