Posting it forward

Australia Post is helping Australians stay connected by delivering more than four million specially designed prepaid postcards to rural and remote households across the country.

Designed in collaboration with Australia Post’s mental health partner Beyond Blue, the postcards are divided into two sections with a part to keep, including helpful tips on how to maintain mental health, and a second part to write on and send to friends or loved ones in Australia free of charge.

The free postcards are now available at participating post offices while stocks last, and will start to arrive in regional letterboxes across the country soon.

Australia Post's Nicky Tracey said the simple idea would have a positive impact on people’s mental health, particularly for those who were currently unable to visit friends and family.

“We know that when we connect, we feel better — and sometimes a small message can be all it takes to make a big difference to someone you care about,” Ms Tracey said.

“These postcards make it really easy to connect with a message of love, hope and support by simply putting a message on the card, addressing it and dropping it in a red post box.”

Beyond Blue's Georgie Harman said the partnership with Australia Post helped to share important messages about mental health with communities across the country and reach people who continued to grapple with the impacts of bushfires, floods and droughts on top of the pandemic.

“This postcard campaign will help us reach into rural and remote areas, where social and geographic isolation, weather impacts and difficulty accessing services can present mental health challenges,” Ms Harman said.

“I really hope people will join in the spirit of this initiative, read the tips and send a card to a loved one.”

The postcard delivery is part of a broader campaign from Australia Post to support mental health.