Australia Post has launched Dear Australia, an initiative encouraging Australians to share handwritten letters of hope and inspiration with the nation about their COVID-19 experience, with all letters to be sent to a national letterbox.
Australia Post Executive General Manager Community & Consumer, Nicole Sheffield, said that while 2020 had tested us in ways we could never have imagined just months ago, it had also highlighted the importance of authentic connection.
“Writing a letter is a very human way to connect with people, which is why we’re inviting individuals, schools, communities, and organisations to write a letter to the nation about their own unique experiences during the pandemic,” Ms Sheffield said.
“It can be a message of hope, a story of community spirit, a poem, song, artwork from your son or daughter, or part of a time capsule project for school. Whatever the reflection, this is a chance to share your story with the rest of Australia and preserve it for future generations.
“Today, the more opportunities we have to connect and feel what it means to be human, the better,” said Ms Sheffield.
Selected letters will be shared on the Dear Australia website (auspost.com.au/dearaustralia) allowing people to reflect and connect with stories throughout the campaign.
On conclusion, eligible letters will be archived for posterity at The National Archives of Australia in Canberra.
National Archives Director-General David Fricker said the letters would be a unique and valuable resource for current and future generations, providing first-hand accounts of Australian life in the pandemic.
“The National Archives connects Australians with the nation’s memory, identity and history. We are proud to be working with Australia Post to ensure these letters will be safely kept and made accessible into the future.”
To take part, send your letters or artwork to Dear Australia, Locked Bag, Australia 9999 with a stamp on the front of the envelope.
Dear Australia letters can be placed in any red street Post Box, with individuals and families encouraged to post their letters before 18 August 2020.
For further information on the campaign, including terms and conditions and handy tips on letter writing, visit Australia Post’s website at auspost.com.au/dearaustralia, and share with friends with #dearaustralia.
Source: Australia Post