Australia Post launch new packaging to honour Indigenous land names on every parcel

Australia Post has launched new packaging that includes a dedicated space for Indigenous land names so customers can recognise traditional country on their mail.

The newly designed Parcel Post and Express Post satchels have a nominated line below the recipient’s name to include a Traditional Place name above the street address. 

Australia Post’s National Indigenous Manager and Noongar man Chris Heelan said the move is a result of customer feedback and consultation with First Nations Gomeroi woman Rachael McPhail.

‘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.’

The initiative, which also includes an Acknowledgment of Country on packaging, was introduced to mark NAIDOC week and will remain permanent.   

Australia Post is also celebrating First Nations culture by wrapping a number of its Street Posting Boxes in Indigenous artwork with a design created by Darwin’s Marcus Lee of the Karajarri People. 

Ms McPhail said she was delighted by the initiative and encouraged Australians to expand their knowledge of Indigenous heritage and start including Traditional Place names when sending letters and parcels. 

‘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.  

Traditional Place names can also be used on letters, provided they appear above the street address and postcode.