Australia Post has launched a special edition set of stamps and collectables to commemorate the Lunar New Year of the Dragon, starting on 10 February 2024. The release includes three specially designed gold and red Dragon stamps, a sheetlet of the 12 zodiac stamps, and coin collectable covers symbolising the Dragon’s good fortune and power.

The Dragon, the fifth animal in the Chinese Zodiac, is associated with intelligence, power, confidence, charisma, natural talent, and luck. The Lunar New Year is a significant traditional Chinese festival, celebrated in many countries including Australia, involving family gatherings, gift exchanges, traditional dances, and the annual Lantern Festival.

Kayla Le Cornu, Australia Post General Manager Retail Product, said, “The Lunar New Year issue is always a very popular edition for our collectors, and we are especially excited about our exclusive gold design this year to symbolise such a special year in Chinese culture.”

The designs were created by award-winning designer Chrissy Lau, who was inspired by the traditional Lunar New Year gifts of money wrapped in lucky red envelopes. “The red envelopes are a key part of Lunar New Year traditions where children bestow their best wishes on their elders and in return receive money wrapped in red envelopes along with wishes of good fortune, happiness, and health for the coming year. The dragon also represents good luck, health, and strength so it felt like the perfect design,” Lau said.