The Australian Legends is an annual series of commemorative

postage stamp A postage stamp is a small piece of paper issued by a post office, postal administration, or other authorized vendors to customers who pay postage (the cost involved in moving, insuring, or registering mail). Then the stamp is affixed to the f ...

s issued by

Australia Post Australia Post, formally the Australian Postal Corporation and also known as AusPost, is an Australian Government-State-owned enterprise, owned corporation that provides postal services throughout Australia. Australia Post's head office is loca ...

since 1997. The stamps commemorate living Australians who have made lifetime contributions to the development of the Commonwealth's national identity and character. Prior to 1997, the only living persons who could appear on Australian stamps were members of the

British royal family The British royal family comprises Charles III and other members of his family. There is no strict legal or formal definition of who is or is not a member, although the Royal Household has issued different lists outlining who is considere ...

, with the exception of Gwoya Tjungurrayi in 1950.Australia Post
"Racing Legends are first past the post,"
2007. As examples of Australian graphic art, the stamps are designed to tell the story of events and personalities that shaped contemporary

Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...

. Each becomes part of a collective Australian memory which reflects Australian values and documents the development of Australia's national identity. In addition to the

philatelic Philately (; ) is the study of postage stamps and postal history. It also refers to the collection and appreciation of stamps and other philatelic products. While closely associated with stamp collecting and the study of postage, it is possibl ...

commemoration, the honour is also known as the Australia Post Australian Legends Award.Australia Post
"Previous Australia Post Australian Legends,"
2005.

Russell Crowe Russell Ira Crowe (born 7 April 1964) is an actor and film director. Russell Crowe filmography, His work on screen has earned him List of awards and nominations received by Russell Crowe, various accolades, including an Academy Award, two Gold ...

appears in the series despite not holding Australian citizenship.

Notes

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References

* "Australia Day: Australian Legends,
''Stamp Bulletin'' (Australia Post).
No. 254. March–May 2000. * "156 years collecting Australian graphic art,
''Priority'' (Au00.
Postage stamps of Australia