Thanks to an initiative between the CEPU, Australia Post and Oxfam-Community Aid Abroad, Australian unionists, along with all Australians, can play a part in helping to re-build East Timor by purchasing the first day issue of East Timor’s inaugural stamps.

Thanks to an initiative between the CEPU, Australia Post and Oxfam-Community Aid Abroad, Australian unionists, along with all Australians, can play a part in helping to re-build East Timor by purchasing the first day issue of East Timor’s inaugural stamps.

These stamps have been produced by Australia Post, saving the East Timor government around $100,000 in production costs. All proceeds of the sale of the stamps will go directly to East Timor.

In designing the stamps, Australia Post worked with the East Timorese, basing the designs on specially commissioned traditional East Timorese woven textile designs called Tais. They also incorporate images reflective of East Timor and the struggle for independence.

The union movement has long been a supporter of the East Timorese people’s claim for self-determination. On May 20, 2002, this dream will be realised with the declaration of independence of the world’s newest nation – East Timor.

A framed set of the stamps will be taken to the independence day celebrations by Pat Lee (IEU) and presented on behalf of the ACTU to the national union centre in Dili.

Brian Baulk of the CEPU says his union is calling on all Australian unionists to get behind this important effort to help East Timor. You can do this and be part of Australia’s assistance to East Timor by either:

Purchasing East Timor’s first day covers and souvenir stamp packs for $8.30 and $8.50 from major Australia Post outlets or mail order. International purchases can also be made direct from Australia Post’s website.

Purchasing through bidding at auction for one of the special 100 first day covers that will be signed by one of the leaders of East Timor’s independence struggle. These have been provided to Oxfam-Community Aid Abroad for sale by auction, with all proceeds going to Oxfam projects in East Timor. They will be able to bid for through the Oxfam-Community Aid Abroad website.

ACTU President Sharan Burrow says this is an excellent and rewarding way to help the Timorese and to celebrate this wonderful historical moment.

‘This is a great opportunity to purchase a set of first issue stamps, and at the same time contribute to the in a very practical way to re-building of the new nation of East Timor.’

To view the full set of stamps click here or visit the CEPU’s website. You can also find more information about East Timor’s first stamps from Australia Post’s website.