Rex Hunt Gives This Stamp His Approval

February 17 , 2003

Rex Hunt today enlisted the help of a somewhat slippery friend to launch a series of stamps celebrating one of Australia’s most popular pastimes – recreational fishing. Rex was in Melbourne to launch Fishing In Australia which is available now in Post Shops.

Five of the nation’s most sought after recreational fish – the snapper, barramundi, Murray cod, brown trout and yellowfin tuna have each been given their own stamp.

“Recreational fishing is a national obsession in this country so it’s great to see it represented in stamps. Anglers love to collect all-things-fishing so these stamps are sure to be a hit amongst the fishing community,” said Rex.

Australia Post’s, Gary Highland said the release of the stamps was in response to strong public demand.

“We’ve had numerous requests for fishing to be given its own set of stamps – which is not surprising since more than one in five Australians participate in the activity each year,” Mr Highland said.

“Fishing is one of our nation’s best loved pastimes. It’s enjoyed by people of all ages, from all walks of life in every state of Australia.”

Mr Highland said that the stamp series highlighted the great diversity of Australian fishing.

“We wanted to ensure that both freshwater and saltwater as well as northern and southern species were represented,” he said.

Mr Highland said the fish chosen by Australia Post are in many respects the icons of recreational fishing in Australia.

“The snapper must be one of the most eagerly anticipated fish in Australia each year – particularly when it makes its spring run into Port Phillip Bay. The barramundi, outside of the closed season, is a fulltime obsession for northern anglers just as the yellowfin tuna is eagerly pursued by game fishers around the continent.”

“The introduced brown trout and native Murray cod would rank as among our most elusive and sought after freshwater species,” Mr Highland said.

Illustrated by Sydney artist Ego Guiotto, the stamps also feature lures and flies associated with each fish.

The Fishing Australia stamp packs, first day cover and maxicards (postcards) are available from most Australia Post outlets. They can also be purchased by mail order on Freecall 1800 331 794.

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