Beginning this week, Australia Post will now give customers the opportunity to address their parcels with Indigenous place names.
The new packaging has been brought into existence thanks to a petition which was started by Gomeroi woman Rachael McPhail last year.
McPhail launched the petition last year, requesting for Australia Post to collate a comprehensive database of place names, to be made part of the official address information in Australia.
As per the petition’s description, McPhail wrote, “Every area on this continent now known as Australia has an original place name.”
McPhail continued, “I am calling for place names to be made part of the official address information in Australia, the same as postcodes and street names.”
“I am also calling for Australia Post to collate a comprehensive and accurate database of traditional place names, by consulting with Elders and First Nations knowledge holders on each Country.”
“Please sign this petition, and keep adding in the traditional place name when placing online orders or sending parcels!”
“If everyone adopts this small change, it will make a big difference,” she added.
As reported by SBS News, Australia Post publicly endorsed the petition, as well as having released a set of guidelines on how to include traditional names on parcels.
Australia Post National Indigenous Manager Chris Heelan said, “We not only listened to Rachael, but to the overwhelming feedback from thousands of Australians who supported this fantastic concept to recognise traditional country on their mail.”
“Including the traditional place name as part of the mailing address is a simple but meaningful way to promote and celebrate our Indigenous communities, which is something Australia Post has a long and proud history of doing.”
Australia Post will be making the updated packaging available to align with NAIDOC week.
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