Australia Post has announced the recipients of the annual Australia Post Australian Legends Award for 2023: Supercars racing greats Mark Skaife OAM, Craig Lowndes OAM, Dick Johnson AM and Allan Moffat OBE.
The well-known racing greats, both on and off the track, are also members of both the Supercars and Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
The Australia Post Australian Legends Award dates back to 1997, when Sir Donald Bradman became the first living Australian to be honoured on an Australian stamp.
The award recognises outstanding living individuals for their part in shaping the social and cultural life of Australia, with recipients over the years exemplifying traits such as tenacity, perseverance, integrity and compassion.
In recognition of the honour, each Legend is depicted on a postage stamp and is presented with a 24-carat-gold replica of the stamp on which they appear. The four stamp designs present a portrait of each Legend during their remarkable motor racing career, with an iconic car placed in the background.
Five-time Supercars champion Mark Skaife OAM’s stamp features his Holden VX Commodore, from his triumph at Bathurst in 2002.
Speaking of his Australia Post Australian Legends Award, Mr Skaife said: “Driving with Jim Richards at Bathurst in 2002 to win the great race and the championship in the same year is a great career highlight. In sport there is no substitute for hard work and dedication, so it’s great to be recognised by Australia Post in such a special way.”
Seven-times Bathurst winner, Craig Lowndes OAM, is featured alongside his Holden VF Commodore, from his conquest of Bathurst in 2015.
“It is an enormous privilege to be recognised for my contribution on and off track. The Australia Post Australian Legends Award stamp series is a renowned collector’s item, so to be included in this prestigious group is very humbling,” Mr Lowndes said.
Motor racing royalty Dick Johnson AM’s stamp features his Ford XD Falcon, driven during his first Bathurst victory, in 1981. Mr Johnson said he was delighted to have been chosen as an Australia Post Australian Legend this year.
“To be recognised for doing something that has been a lifelong job, of which I’ve enjoyed every single moment, is a great honour,” he asid.
“To be identified by Australia Post in this way is very special. My hope is to encourage younger generations and demonstrate that no matter what your goal is, you can achieve it if you try hard.”
The final stamp included in the collection belongs to four-time Australian Touring Car Champion, Allan Moffatt OBE, and features his Ford XC Falcon, driven during his fourth win at Bathurst, in 1977.
Australia Post Group Manager Philatelic, Michael Zsolt, said: “Supercars racing is the top category of Australian motorsport and unique to this country. These versatile, skilful and athletic drivers achieved excellence on the track in the Bathurst 1000, the Australian Touring Car Championship and the Repco Supercars Championship.
“This year’s Australia Post Australian Legends are also being recognised for their achievements off the track, including their continued involvement in the industry and in advocacy, education and charity work,” he said.
Stamps and associated collectables are available from tomorrow, comprising a first-day cover, stamp pack, 4 booklets of 10 x self-adhesive stamps and 4 x maxicards.
To find out more information about the stamp issue, customers can visit: auspost.com.au/sending/stamps
