Six fashion designers today joined the exclusive ranks of Australians who have featured on a postage stamp during their lifetime.

The six designers - Prue Acton OBE, Jenny Bannister, Collette Dinnigan, Akira Isogawa, Joe Saba and Carla Zampatti AM - were named as the 2005 Australia Post Australian Legends.

Australia Post Managing Director Graeme John will make the announcement today at a tribute luncheon in Sydney for the new Australian Legends. 

“The Australia Post Australian Legends Award has always been about honouring our nation’s most talented and determined individuals,” Mr John said.  “And the six Australians that we are recognising today are certainly no exception to that rule.”

“We honour them because they brought their creative vision to life through inspiration, hard work and a canny sense for business.”

“They have inspired generations of Australians and are admired both here and abroad for their creativity, ingenuity, daring and entrepreneurial spirit.  Through their work, they have helped to shape our nation’s identity, culture and sense of self.”

Australia Post selected the six designers based on their contribution to the evolution of contemporary Australian fashion as well as their influence on our national identity.

The Australian Legends Award is announced each year in the lead-up to Australia Day. 

When the inaugural Australian Legends Award was presented to Sir Donald Bradman in 1997, it was the first time a living person other than a ruling monarch had been featured on an Australian stamp. 

Other great Australians who have been recognised in this way include Arthur Boyd, Slim Dusty, Dawn Fraser, Herb Elliott, Rod Laver, Margaret Court and Dame Joan Sutherland.
 
This year’s Australia Legends stamps feature stylish black and white portraits of Acton, Bannister, Dinnigan, Isogawa, Saba and Zampatti by photographer Lucas Allen.

The 2005 Australian Legends stamp issue features first day covers, maxicards and a stamp pack.  A 64-page book, Australia In Fashion – Six Great Designers, by Zelda Cawthorne, and also being released to accompany the stamp issue.

The Legends stamps and book RRP $16.95 are available now from participating Australia Post outlets or freecall 1800 331 794.

For further information, please contact:

Stefani Adams -  03 9696 5899 or 0412 395 151
Libby Collett - 03 9204 5362 or 0409 143 418

Please note, high-resolution images of the Australia Day stamps and products are available on request.

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• Visit the Stamp Shop online for more information on Australia Post stamp issues, books, coins, collectables and souvenirs.