Media Release 23 October 2018 Australia Post puts the spotlight on historic lighthouses Australia Post is releasing the Lighthouses of Sydney stamp issue, 200 years after the construction of Australia’s first lighthouse, the Macquarie Lighthouse of 1818. Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt said the issue depicts striking photographs of three historically significant lighthouses and will be of interest to both stamp collectors and history buffs. “Macquarie, Hornby and Robertsons Point lighthouses, which were constructed between the mid-19th and early-20th centuries, still play an important role in ensuring that vessels travel safely through the major waterways of Sydney. Historic lighthouses remind us of the dangers of early sea travel, and help chart important technological and navigational developments,” Mr Zsolt said. The three domestic base-rate stamps were designed by Jo Muré of the Australia Post Design Studio and feature: $1 Hornby Lighthouse, Inner South Head, NSW Hornby Lighthouse, with its impressive red and white stripes, was constructed in 1858, following two shipwrecks at The Heads in 1857. The stamp photograph is by Bruce Hood. $1 Macquarie Lighthouse, Outer South Head, NSW The Macquarie Lighthouse of 1883 was built to replace the original tower of 1818, which had disintegrated due to the poor quality of sandstone used in its construction. Prior to 1818, sea-travellers’ only guiding light was a fire on a tripod at South Head, Sydney. The stamp photograph is by Matthew Kelly. $1 Robertsons Point Lighthouse, Cremorne Point, NSW Roberstons Point Lighthouse sits in the shores of Sydney Harbour. Constructed in 1910, the tower is an early example of the use of reinforced concrete in Australian lighthouse construction. The stamp photograph is by Ryan Payne. The products available with this stamp issue include a first day cover, stamp pack, maxicards, booklet of 10, prestige booklet, postal numismatic cover and medallion cover. The Lighthouses of Sydney stamp issue is available from 23 October at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps, while stocks last. -ends- For further information, please contact National Media Line 03 9106 6666 .