Author: thedigitalphilatelist

The Poll Dorset is a short-wool, meat producing sheep, bred from the English Dorset Horn by Australian stud masters between 1937 and 1954. It is now the most widely used sheep in Australia for the production of prime lamb. The breed has been exported to a great many countries around…

View More Australia Philately: 1989 Sheep in Australia – 39c Poll Dorset

The Corriedale is the other main “dual purpose” breed in Australia. Developed simultaneously in Australia and New Zealand by crossing the Lincoln and Merino, it is one of the world’s most successful dual purpose breeds. Corriedales are now found in significant numbers in several countries around the world.  Details Series: 1989…

View More Australia Philately: 1989 Sheep in Australia – $1 Corriedale

The Australian Merino derives its name and basic characteristics from the Spanish Royal flocks, but it is now a distinct breed in its own right, having been adapted in Australia to suit local conditions. Merinos are valued for their heavy fleeces of fine quality wool.  Details Series: 1989 Sheep in…

View More Australia Philately: 1989 Sheep in Australia – 39c Merino

Vast areas of grassland and a relatively mild climate over a large proportion of the country makes Australia well suited to the raising of sheep. Australian sheep will be depicted on a set of four stamps due for release by Australia Post on 27 February 1989. The stsamp issue date…

View More Australia Philately: 1989 Sheep in Australia

The first recorded cricket match in Australia was held late in 1803 in Sydney. Inter-colonial cricket began in 1856 following a challenge by the Melbourne Cricket Club to play neighbouring colonies. Inter-colonial contests expanded into the Sheffield Shield competition in 1892.  Cricket is Australia’s major summer sport, with an estimated…

View More Australia Philately: 1989 Sports Series I – 70c Cricket

The first golf course in Australia was laid out in 1847 on the site of the present Flagstaff Gardens in Melbourne. By the end of the nineteenth century golf clubs had been established in most major centres. Professional golf developed in the early years of the twentieth century amd the…

View More Australia Philately: 1989 Sports Series I – $1.10 Golf

Kits have been in use among Asian peoples from time immemorial. The sport is a national pastime in such countries as Korea, China, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. With their great variety of form, colour and shape, kites possess a sense of magic and fascination. They also have their practical side,…

View More Australia Philately: 1989 Sports Series I – 55c Kite Flying

It is estimated that 15% of the Australian population go fishing regularly. Whether the preference is surf fishing from the beach, deepsea fishing, game fishing or idling time peacefully on the end of a pier or lazing on a quiet river bank, fishing offers enjoyable sport for a great many…

View More Australia Philately: 1989 Sports Series I – 39c Fishing

The vast majority of football fans in Australia follow one of four codes: Australian Rules, Rugby League, Rugby Union and Soccer. Australian Rules, now becoming a national sport, has always been the main winter sport of southern states. It evolved in Victoria in the 1850s, borrrowing liberally from other football…

View More Australia Philately: 1989 Sports Series I – 3c Football

Tenpin bowling is a modern version of a very old game, believed to date back to the third or fourth century. Today’s game was only introduced to Australia in the 1960s, although it have long been a national pastime in America. The Australian  Tenpin Bowling Congress was formed in 1962,…

View More Australia Philately: 1989 Sports Series I – 2c Tenpin Bowling