Australia Post and Beyond Blue have teamed up to launch Australia’s first-ever interactive, talking Post Boxes in Canberra, Sydney and Traralgon.
The post boxes use smart sensors to grab attention in a bid to prompt Aussies to slow down, pick up a pen and connect with others by sending a postcard the old-fashioned way.
It’s all part of a nationwide campaign delivering five million prepaid Connection Postcards landing primarily in regional and rural mailboxes this June. Designed to spark real connections and brighten someone’s day, the free postcards will also be available at participating post offices across the country.
“We’re proud to partner with Beyond Blue and for the fifth consecutive year to connect more people with mental health information and with each other,” said Australia Post General Manager Community & Stakeholder Engagement, Nicky Tracey.
“For the very first time, we’re bringing talking Post Boxes to three locations. What we know is that people still feel a much deeper emotional connection when they receive a letter or postcard. And that’s why we want to encourage people to write to one another, to improve connection.
“Interestingly, nearly half the people we surveyed said they’d be more likely to send a postcard if they were prompted and that’s exactly what these talking post boxes will be doing,” Ms Tracey said.
The talking Post Boxes echo the campaign’s message with lines like:
- “You can make a difference with a connection.”
- “A little hello goes a long way.”
- “Send a note to someone special.”
- “Give them a laugh – send a free postcard from your local Post Office.”
“This initiative is such a great reminder of the power of connection and how small acts of kindness can have a big impact on our mental health,” said Beyond Blue CEO, Georgie Harman AO.
“Research shows that everyday micro interactions like saying hello to people in our local neighbourhood as we’re walking the dog or popping into the shops can help us feel less lonely and more connected. Our partnership with Australia Post and the Connection Postcards embodies those small but mighty moments by encouraging Australians to let someone know they’re thinking about them.
“Australia Post’s large network helps us reach regional and rural communities, where people are more likely to experience loneliness, which can affect their mental health, and where access to support is often limited,” Ms Harman said.
At a time where Australians are feeling increasingly lonely or isolated, the Connection Postcards encourage people to reach out to friends and family by sending personalised handwritten notes, she said.
Created by regional Australian artist, Jocelyn Proust, the illustration includes two fairy wrens in a vibrant natural setting to signify the power of communication for connection and begins with the words, “sharing this postcard because I care”. The three talking Post Boxes also replicate the design of the Connection Postcards and include Beyond Blue mental health support information.
The talking Post Boxes can be found at the below locations until mid-July:
- Canberra – 53 Alinga St
- Sydney – 44 Market St
- Traralgon – 161-169 Franklin Street.
