Australia Post is celebrating 200 years since the foundation of the nation’s postal service.
The origins of Australia’s postal service can be traced back to 1809, when former convict Isaac Nichols was appointed to take charge of all mail arriving in the colony of New South Wales. 
 
Nichols’s appointment was announced in the Sydney Gazette, along with an explanation that the new role was necessary because of the frequency of mail theft from incoming ships.  Nichols promptly opened Australia’s first post office at his home in George Street, Sydney. 
 
Throughout the 1800s, six separate postal departments developed in Australia with the emergence of the colonies. Upon Federation in 1901, these six departments were united to create the Postmaster General’s Department (PMG).  The PMG was then split in 1975 to form two statutory bodies – Australia Post and Telecom Australia.
 
Although the postal service has operated under several names, it is widely regarded as Australia’s oldest continually operating commercial organisation.
 
To mark its bicentenary, Australia Post has launched an exciting, interactive education program for primary and
secondary students.  

Titled “Our Past – Our Present – Our Future”, the education program tells the story of how Australia’s postal service has grown in parallel with the nation over the past 200 years.

Australia Post’s Managing Director Graeme John said this program teaches students about vital aspects of Australian history and how the postal service has played an important role in nation-building and connecting Australia’s far-flung communities. 

“This education program is designed to make young Australians reflect on how far our country has come over the past two centuries,” Mr John said. “The 200-year history of the postal service is one of continual change and the postal service has always evolved to meet the changing needs of Australians. “This educational program provides a great way for young Australians to engage with our bicentenary program and encourages broader classroom discussion about how our nation’s future relates to our past.”

The “Our Past – Our Present – Our Future” program provides teachers with a range of resources that straddle all curriculum subjects and age groups.

Primary school students can enter the “Postie Past, Present or Future” competition, by writing a short story, poem, rap song or creating artwork about the experience of being a postie throughout history or in the future.

Terrific prizes are up for grabs including iPod nanos, book vouchers and a variety of Australia Post products. 
For secondary students 15 years and older, the “200 Seconds” short film competition invites aspiring young film-makers to produce a short film (up to 200 seconds long) featuring a parcel. The winning entrant will have the opportunity to have their film shown as part of the 2009 Australian Film Institute Industry Awards.

The bicentenary website www.auspost.com.au/200years is a great resource for students and teachers, featuring an interactive timeline and copies of letters relating to key moments in Australian history. The education kit and information on the 200 Seconds short film competition can be downloaded at
www.auspost.com.au/education200years.