With two water towers from regional NSW, and one each from Victoria and South Australia, the Water Tower Art stamp issue demonstrates the vibrancy and creativity of regional Australian art.
Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said the murals were a fantastic way to encourage tourism to regional towns and highlight some of the unique experiences that exist in regional Australia.
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“In addition to attracting visitors, these large, striking artworks often feature local people and culture, paying homage to those who have served their community, celebrating local history and wildlife and raising awareness of local issues,” Mr Zsolt said.
Winton Wetlands Committee of Management Chair Dr Dennis O'Brien said stamp is a great way to showcase Winton Wetlands.
“This unlikely canvas is a breathtaking tribute to local people and a must-see for locals and visitors," he said.
"The Art Tank at Winton Wetlands has brought new life to a vital piece of infrastructure on our site, whilst recognising the phenomenal contribution the CFA makes to our community and social fabric.”
The four domestic base rate stamps, designed by Gary Domoney from Visua feature:
$1.10 Lucky Dip, Jenny McCracken, Gulargambone, NSW
This 2018 mural is located next to the football ground of the central west plains town of Gulargambone and references the importance of water to the drought-stricken community.
Titled Lucky Dip, this work has transformed the drab water tower into a huge glass of water, showing an iridescent blue kingfisher in search of food.
As its main water source, the tower stands over the town like a glowing blue beacon of hope.
Rene’s Region – the colour yellow
$1.10 Apparition Media, Narrandera, NSW
This project was funded under the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program, and the design was the result of consultation with local young people and artists, including Wiradjuri artist Owen Lyons.
It was painted in 11 days by a team of four artists and the eastern bearded dragon, which features on the stamp, refers to the Wiradjuri word for “place of lizards or goannas”, from which the town derives its name.
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$1.10 Guido van Helten, Winton, Victoria
In the Winton Wetlands in the high country of north-eastern Victoria, this water tower art was commissioned in 2016.
Artist Guido van Helten painted the mural on a water tank owned by the Country Fire Authority and he chose three portraits of CFA volunteers from local brigades: Robert Green, Danielle Spokes and Colin Hooke, who is featured on the stamp.
Vale Keith McNaughton: January1, 1955 – August 20, 2020
$1.10 Vans the Omega, Snowtown, South Australia
This mural is featured on a disused water tower that used to provide water for steam engines that ran on the Kadina railway line from the 1870s.
Completed with the assistance of Sam Brooks, the artwork features local heroes who have served their community and represented the town in various sports.
Featured on the stamp is long-time CFA volunteer John Hansen.
Additional products for the Water Tower Art stamp issue include a first day cover, stamp pack, maxicards and a decorative minisheet featuring the water tower in Cloncurry Queensland.
This additional water tower showcases a 2018 mural by The Zookeeper, with imagery of local birds sacred to the Mitadooki people and a paper plane to represent the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which began in Cloncurry in 1928.
●The stamps and associated products will be available in post offices across the country and online at participating post offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794, and online at this link while stocks last.
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