The Sydney Philatelic Sales Centre, George Street, Sydney, was officially opened at 8pm on 26 July 1971 by the Postmaster-General, Sir Alan Hulme. The centre adjoined the Sydney G.P.O. and only provided philatelic services. The centre was designed to allow reading of local and overseas philatelic magazines, view unique historical displays and purchase philatelic supplies.
During the opening, the Postmaster-General presented a cheque for $200 to 24yr old John Lee, winner of the Post Office competition to design a Christmas stamp. His winning design with the heads of the Three Wise Men of the Christmas story. The design was relased in October 1971 as the 1971 Christmas release.
A tapestry used in the designs was designed by John Coburn, designer of the 1969 25c Christmas stamp.
Souvenir Cover
A souvenir cover featuring the entrance tof the Centre went on sale from the opening day of business. For collectors desirous of obtaining an impression of the Philatelic Sales Centre postmarker on the opening day, serviced souvenir covers bearing a 6c stamp will be available, while stocks last. Serviced covers cost 14c each with a 6c stamp affixed, 20c with two stamps and 32c with a block of four 6c stamps, from the centre and from all first of issue post offices in N.S.W.
First Day of Issue Postmarker
The accompanying illustration shows an impression of the first day of issue postmarker introduced at the Philatelic Sales Centre, Sydney, on 29th September, 1971 – the day of issue of the Aboriginal Art stamps. The pictorial motif shows the Sydney Opera House.
First Day Covers
1973
1974
1975
1976
1978
