Tuesday, June 5, 2007 

Australia Post celebrates popular culture in all its brashness and glory with the release of the BIG THINGS stamp issue on 5th June 2007.

Some of the country’s most well-known and loved giant replicas have been captured by artist Reg Mombassa in five BIG THINGS stamps which will be welcomed by art and stamp collectors alike, and those of us who just remember the BIG THINGS as part of our journeys.

Australia’s penchant for eye-catching, oversized roadside icons began in the 1960s. Acting as giant billboards along Australian highways, the BIG THINGS enticed people to stop and spend.

The Australia Post BIG THINGS issue showcases some of the country’s most instantly-recognised examples – the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, the Big Pineapple in Nambour, the Big Merino in Goulburn, the Big Lobster in Kingston and the Big Golden Guitar in Tamworth. 

In typical Mombassa style, the colourful, hand-rendered images depict the same motorist and car across the five stamps with the iconic BIG THING taking pride of place.

A former member of Australian rock group Mental As Anything, BIG THINGS designer Reg Mombassa started working as a freelance artist in the 1970s and is perhaps best known for his quirky, personality-plus creative for clothing brand Mambo.

“How many Australians would have childhood memories of family holidays when mum and dad jammed everyone in the car and they all took off down the highway?” said Mr Noel Leahy, Group Manager, Philatelic, Australia Post. “On the way there would be the obligatory stop at the roadside BIG THING so parents could have a break. I think the BIG THINGS stamps celebrate a terrific slice of Australian culture and will be quite a memory-jogger for many of us!”

The BIG THINGS stamp issue comprises 5 x 50 cent stamps (all of which are available in one collectible stamp pack), booklets, a first day cover, maxicards and post cards. BIG THINGS stamps will be available from participating Australia Post outlets from 5 June 2007 or via phone order on 1800 331 794. Overseas customers can purchase on line at www.auspost.com.au/stamps

High resolution images are available upon request.

For further information, please contact:
Stuart Osbourne or Brooke Tully
PR for Australia Post
M:0412 19 08 20/ 0427 88 50 66
P: 03 9696 2636
E: sosbourne@melb.javelinaustralia.com.au

Prue Cripps
Australia Post
Philatelic Group
P: 03 9204 7629
E: prue.cripps@auspost.com.au

Australia Post Stamp Shop:

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