Australia Post has partnered with the Royal Australia Mint and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) to launch Our Animals, Our Country, a new coin collection celebrating First Nations languages, storytelling and connection to Country.
The collection features five $1 collectable coins, each showcasing an original design of a native Australian animal alongside its Gudanji name, as well as a special coloured $2 Goanna/Jurrgubadi coin that can be found in till change when making a cash purchase at participating Post Offices.
Designed by Gudanji/Wakaja and Kalkadoon artist and Indigenous Literacy Foundation Ambassador Ryhia Dank, also known as nardurna, the collection celebrates the Gudanji language from the Gulf Country and Barkly Tablelands region of the Northern Territory. Through striking depictions of native Australian animals, the collection honours the Gudanji/Wakaja peoples' traditions of storytelling and reflects enduring connections between language, culture and Country.
Australia Post General Manager, Retail Product and Supply Chain, Kayla Le Cornu said the collection offers Australians a unique way to engage with and celebrate First Nations culture.
"Our Animals, Our Country showcases the richness of First Nations languages and storytelling through beautifully designed collectables that can be shared and enjoyed across generations.
"Through our partnerships with the Royal Australian Mint and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, we're proud to help share the stories, knowledge and connections to Country reflected in Ryhia's artwork with communities across Australia," said Ms Le Cornu.
Royal Australian Mint Chief Executive Officer, Emily Martin said the partnership with Australia Post gave the opportunity for the Mint to release a new coloured coin into circulation through their tills.
"Finding a coloured coin in your change is a little unexpected surprise that can brighten your day. I hope customers have fun looking out for the colourful goanna coin when they shop at Australia Post," Ms Martin said.
Australia Post has partnered with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation since 2020, helping deliver culturally relevant books and literacy resources to remote First Nations Communities across Australia.
Indigenous Literacy Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Ben Bowen said, "Language is a powerful connection to culture, Country and Community. Through this partnership with Australia Post and the Royal Australian Mint, we're proud to help share Gudanji stories and support the preservation and celebration of First Nations languages for generations to come."
Collectors can visit participating Post Offices or online from today (4 November) to buy individual coins featuring a special privy mark for $15 each and the 5-Coin $1 tube and folder set for $34, with one in 10 tubes randomly selected to include a special coloured $1 Saltwater Crocodile/Mardumbarrayi coin. A Stamp Pack will also be available for $11.55, containing three mounted stamps and a large format minisheet.
The full Our Animals, Our Country coin collection features six native Australian animals including:
- Marraji (Red Kangaroo)
- Jagurrugurru (Emu)
- Mardumbarrayi (Saltwater Crocodile)
- Darrmanji (Brolga)
- Gulamandarrina (Long-necked Turtle)
- Jurrgubadi (Goanna)
