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Overview

This stamp issue marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Wilderness Society, which today is one of Australia’s leading conservation groups. The movement began in Hobart in 1976, with the meeting of a small group of people wanting to save the Franklin River in south-west Tasmania from being dammed as part of the state’s hydro-electric power generation project. From this grew a campaign of blockades, arrests, rallies, door knocking, petitions and nationwide political action. Success came after UNESCO World Heritage listing of the region in 1982, the election in 1983 of a new Federal government that vowed to halt the project, and a battle in the High Court of Australia.  

Since that time the Wilderness Society has fought alongside other conservation groups and individuals to protect many of Australia’s most significant places and environments for future generations.

Stamps in this issue

$1.85 Rock Island Bend, Franklin River, Tasmania stamp
$1.85 Rock Island Bend, Franklin River, Tasmania stamp

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Rock Island Bend, Franklin River, Tasmania

This spectacular location is an example of the wilderness under threat from the proposed dam (photo Grant Dixon / Getty Images). The White-faced Heron is among the many species of wildlife found in the area (photo Rob Blakers). Newspaper headline from the Canberra Times was one of thousands of media stories generated by the nationwide campaign (courtesy Australian Community Media). 

$1.85
$1.85 Celebrations at Wilderness Society headquarters stamp
$1.85 Celebrations at Wilderness Society headquarters stamp

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Celebrations at Wilderness Society headquarters

Celebrations were held at the Headquarters in Nipaluna/Hobart following the 1983 High Court ruling that saved the Franklin River. Headline announcing this victory from The Examiner newspaper, Launceston (both images courtesy Australian Community Media).

$1.85

Technical specifications

Issue date

6 October 2026

Issue withdrawal date

1 May 2027

Denomination

2 x $1.85

Stamp & Product Design

Jonathan Chong

Printer: gummed

RA Printing

Paper: gummed

Tullis Russell 104gsm Red Phosphor/Blue PVA Stamp

Printing process

Offset lithography

Stamp size (mm)

37.5 x 26

Minisheet size (mm)

135 x 80

Perforations (mm)

13.8 x 14.6

Sheet layout

Module of 50 (2 x 25)

FDI Postmark

Hobart, Tas 7000

FDI Withdrawal date

2 April 2027

This content was produced at the time of the stamp issue release date and will not be updated.