Australia Post and the National Archives of Australia have launched an initiative to encourage Australians to reach out to each other with handwritten letters of their experience with COVID-19.
Executive General Manager Community & Consumer with Australia Post, Nicole Sheffield said that while 2020 had tested people in unimaginable ways, it had also highlighted the importance of authentic connection.
“Writing a letter is a very human way to connect with people, which is why we’re inviting individuals, schools, communities and organisations to write a letter to the nation about their own unique experiences during the pandemic,” Ms Sheffield said.
“It can be a message of hope, a story of community spirit, a poem, song, artwork from your son or daughter, or part of a time-capsule project for school.
“Whatever the reflection, this is a chance to share your story with the rest of Australia and preserve it for future generations.
“Today, the more opportunities we have to connect and feel what it means to be human, the better.”
Ms Sheffield said selected letters would be shared on the Dear Australia website, allowing people to reflect and connect with stories throughout the campaign.
On conclusion, eligible letters would be archived at the National Archives in Canberra, she said.
Director-General of the National Archives, David Fricker said the letters would be a unique and valuable resource for current and future generations, providing first-hand accounts of Australian life in the pandemic.
“The National Archives connects Australians with the nation’s memory, identity and history,” Mr Fricker said.
“We are proud to be working with Australia Post to ensure these letters will be safely kept and made accessible into the future.”
Ms Sheffield said participants should send letters or artwork to Dear Australia, Locked Bag, Australia 9999 with a stamp on the front of the envelope.
Dear Australia letters could be placed in any red street Post Box before 18 August, she said.
More information about Dear Australia can be accessed at this PS News link.
