Cats and Dogs Australia - Issued 21.09.04

Since 1993 Australia Post has promoted the hobby of stamp collecting amongst children with a special Stamp Collecting Month issue. Above shown is the 2004 "Cats and Dogs" issued. These is the official Maximum Card with prepaid postage for posting in Australia and delivery worldwide.

Australia has the highest incidence of pet ownership in the world. Of all the animals that can be kept as pets, dogs and cats are the most popular: 40 per cent of households own a dog and 26 per cent own a cat.

Dogs were kept to guard or hunt, cats to keep mice away. Over time, cats and dogs became "part of the family" valued for their companionship, not simply for their usefulness.

The stamps, 50c "Ezzie" a black and white cat, 50c "Thinkerbell" a ginger and white kitten, 50c "Max" a Labrador Retriever pupply, 50c "Bridie" and "Lily" West Highland Terriers and $1 "Edward" Jack Russell Terrier.

These adorable Maximum Cards are special appeal to children and undoubtedly be popular for adults as well. 

Treasures from the Archives - Large Stamp

Australia Post has created its first jumbo stamp, the size of a miniature sheet, to launch a new series Treasures from the Archives, which highlights items from the National Philatelic Collection. It features the 1932 printing of the two pounds Kangaroo and Map stamp, the highest value stamp in the first Australian Commonwealth series. Above shown is the Stamp Pack.