Just in time for 2021 NAIDOC Week, Australia Post has announced its new satchels will boast a dedicated space for the inclusion of Traditional Place names. Meaning customers who wish to identify Country on their mail, are now able to do so.
Australia Post’s National Indigenous Manager and Noongar man Chris Heelan said the move to provide room for Traditional Place names on satchels comes after being approached by First Nations Gomeroi woman Rachael McPhail and has come about as a direct result of customer feedback.
“We not only listened to Rachael, but to the overwhelming feedback from thousands of Australians who supported this fantastic concept to recognise traditional Country on their mail”, Mr Heelan said.
“Including the Traditional Place name as part of the mailing address is a simple but meaningful way to promote and celebrate our Indigenous communities, which is something Australia Post has a long and proud history of doing.”
Gomeroi woman Rachael McPhail said she was delighted to see Australia Post build upon her idea. She hopes the initiative will encourage Australians to expand their knowledge of Indigenous heritage and start including Traditional Place names when sending mail.
“This is about paying respect to First Nations people, and their continuing connection to Country. If everyone adopts this small change, it will make a big difference,” she said.
Australia Post is also reflecting its ongoing commitment to celebrating First Nations culture by wrapping several its Street Posting Boxes in Indigenous artwork with a design created by Darwin’s Marcus Lee of the Karajarri People.
The new parcels now include an Acknowledgement of Country.
For tips on how to identify First Nations localities and sending guidelines visit auspost.com.au/traditionalplacenames