[press release]
Australia Post commemorates Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in its latest stamp issue

27th March 2018 — Australia Post is releasing a commemorative stamp to celebrate the upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

It will be the fifth time Australia has hosted the Commonwealth Games, which is held every four years, in the event’s 88-year history. Previous games have been held in Sydney (1938), Perth (1962), Brisbane (1982) and Melbourne (2006).

Canada hosted the very first Commonwealth Games in 1930 (then known as the British Empire Games) which saw 400 athletes from 11 countries compete across just six sports. This has grown significantly with this year’s Commonwealth Games set to host over 6,600 athletes and team officials from 70 nations and territories, competing across 18 sports.

Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt said: “this stamp issue commemorates the largest sporting event Australia has played host to this decade.”

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, to be held 4-15 April, will be a record-setting event with up to 300 para-athletes expected to compete in 38 medal events across seven sports. This represents 45 per cent more athletes and 73 per cent more medals than the previous para-sport competition at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The domestic base-rate ($1) commemorative stamp was designed by Sonia Young of the Australia Post Design Studio and features the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games emblem.

The emblem captures the energy and spirit of the ‘Friendly Games’ and is inspired by the bold colours and shapes of the Gold Coast landscape. It features the figures of three athletes; a gymnast, a hurdler and a swimmer, which aim to reflect the depth of heritage and deep humanity of the Games. For more information visit www.gc2018.com/games.

The products associated with this stamp issue are a first day cover, stamp pack, minisheet, maxicard set [bottom right] and medallion cover.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games stamp issue is available from 20 March 2018 at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online, while stocks last.

Please visit auspostcollectables.com.au for more information on the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games stamp issue.