Asia PR News

SYDNEY, May 30/ MediaNet International - AsiaNet/ –

Embargoed until Wednesday, 24 May, 2006

The 23 men who will represent Australia at the 2006 FIFA World Cup are being
celebrated on a Souvenir Stamp Sheet released yesterday by Australia Post.

This special Souvenir Stamp Sheet features the names of the 2006 Qantas
Socceroos who will carry the hopes of an entire nation with them in Germany.
Their names are featured against a backdrop of large action images including
Socceroos captain Mark Viduka, goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and a stadium of
cheering Aussie soccer fans.

Nine green and gold 50c stamps from the “Soccer in Australia” stamp issue
feature on the stamp sheet, all with an action shot of a player striking the
ball and the word “GOAL” emblazoned across each stamp. The nine stamps are
interspersed with nine smaller action images of Socceroos including Mark
Viduka, Mark Schwarzer, Harry Kewell, Marco Bresciano, Brett Emerton, Lucas
Neill, Scott Chipperfield, Archie Thompson and John Aloisi.

“These are the men who carry the hopes of the entire nation when they head
to Germany in June, and we are thrilled to be able to celebrate them in the way
that only Australia Post can - with stamps!” stated Mr Noel Leahy, Group
Manager Philatelic, Australia Post. “These players are part of sporting
history, and this special edition stamp sheet is great way to celebrate their
achievement and remember it for a lifetime.”

The 23-man squad celebrated on the Souvenir Stamp Sheet are John Aloisi,
Michael Beauchamp, Marco Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Scott Chipperfield, Ante Covic,
Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Vince Grella, Zeljko Kalac, Josh Kennedy, Harry
Kewell, Stan Lazaridis, Mark Milligan, Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Tony Popovic,
Mark Schwarzer, Josip Skoko, Mile Sterjovski, Archie Thompson, Mark Viduka
(captain), and Luke Wilkshire.

The Souvenir Stamp Sheet will retail for $15.95 from all participating
Australia Post outlets or via phone order on 1800 331 794.

This is the latest in a series of stamp products from Australia Post that
celebrates the world game in this country. On 9 May 2006, Australia Post
released a series of four “Soccer in Australia” stamps featuring the FIFA World
Cup logo and four key elements of the game. Also available from Australia Post
is a Souvenir Stamp Sheet that celebrates Australia’s qualification for the
FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, 16 November 2005.

For further information, please contact:
Stuart Osbourne
PR for Australia Post
M: 0412 190 820
P: (03) 9696 2636
E: sosbourne@melb.javelinaustralia.com.au

Cindy Clark
Australia Post
Philatelic Group
P: (03) 9204 7629
E: cindy.clark@auspost.com.au

Source: Australia Post