PMCs helping save Australia’s endangered Koalas

PMC

The set comprises three PMCs, which each feature cute images of koalas. On the back of each is the (same) text:

“Our iconic Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is facing a crisis. In its native habitat on the eastern and southern coastal regions of the mainland, the Koala is at risk, and in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, this much-loved marsupial has recently been listed as an endangered species under national environmental law. The dramatic decline in populations can be attributed to habitat loss, climate change and associated extreme weather events, including bushfires and flood. Sadly, many Aussies are unaware that we’re at risk of losing this treasured species.

Learn how Australia Post is supporting efforts to protect and restore Koala habitat at auspost.com.au/environment.

Stamp and cover design: Sonia Young, Australia Post Design Studio Stamp and medallion photograph: David Cunningham Cover photographs: Sean Burges/Alamy Stock Photo (front cover), Ben Robson/500px/Getty Images (card front), Chris Howey/Shutterstock.com (card back)”

Medallions

The three medallions each weigh 40g. They are up to 40mm diameter and 4mm thick, made from a zinc alloy. The finish is “Antique pewter with enamel fill and direct-to-metal print on front.

The front of each medallion contains an image of a koala, with gum leaves on the left. The two largest leaves are hollow, leaving a gap through the medallion.

The theme name, “Koalas in danger” is around the right side of the medallion with the “o” in Koalas made like the large nose and small eyes of the animal itself.

The reverse of the medallions contains the message “Koalas facing extinction” with one of the three state names covered by the set, Queensland, New South Wales or Australian Capital Territory.

Postmarks

Each of the PMCs comes with a $1.50 stamp. This is the charge for a “Small letter” within Australia. A small letter is defined as:

“Small letters include enveloped mail, lettersheets and unenclosed postcards.
A small letter is:

no heavier than 250g.
To avoid small letters being trapped in machinery or other letters, small letters should exceed 88mm x 138mm.
Sealing of envelope mail is preferred. However, if posted unsealed, the opening should not exceed 88mm.

no larger than 130mm x 240mm

no thicker than 5mm”

The postmark on each is Canberra ACT 2601, first day of issue, 20 August 2024. Interestingly, I managed to score the Queensland PMC a week early, as Australia Post inadvertently released it on 13th August. Full credit to them, they honoured the order and sent the PMC.

Maxicards

As I often do, I picked these three up with the themed set of maxi cards. Maxicards are postcards, pre-stamped (on the image side) and in a set, usually come with an additional card (with a plain back) listing the contents.

The Koalas in Danger collection is available from Australia Post now and includes stamps, first day covers, a stamp pack, the minisheets and PMCs. The set is part of Australia Post’s initiative with WWF-Australia.

Also pictured is the Stamp Bulletin. This is a free publication available from Australia Post which gives details of upcoming releases.