Welcome to the APF Website

Welcome to www.apf.org.au

If this is your first visit to the APF website, then you're in luck - you've just discovered the most comprehensive source of up-to-the-minute information on organised philately from Around Australia.

   What is Organised Philately ?

The Three Legs of the Stool

Organised philately is often likened to a three legged stool.  Like a three legged stool, each leg is vital for it to function properly.  In this analogy, the three legs are the collectors, the trade and the postal administrations.

Clubs and Societies

Collectors contribute to organised philately in many ways.  For most, it is through membership of a philatelic club or society who are in turn affiliated with their State or Territory Philatelic Council.  You can find out more about State Councils in Australia by clicking on the relevant State / Territory button on the top of the screen. 

The Trade

There are actually several philatelic and numismatic dealers' associations currently operating in Australia, however it is the Australasian Philatelic Traders' Association or APTA which is formally associated with the Australian Philatelic Federation.

The Trade provides the vital and necessary link between collectors.  This is done in many ways, through stamp shops, mail order businesses, auctions, and by attendance at exhibitions and fairs.  As a trade organisation, APTA is active in developing organised philately by organising shows, sponsoring special prizes at exhibitions, and working with the APF to develop and implement a range of initiatives.   

Postal Administrations

Australia Post is Australia's official postal administration.  Australia Post works closely with the APF in promoting collecting, research, exhibiting, and the like.

   What will you find on this website ?

A snap shot guide to www.apf.org.au

Press Releases - keeps you abreast of all the latest news and announcements from the APF.
Photo Gallery - displays photos from philatelic events from around Australia.
Exhibition Timetable - lists upcoming philatelic exhibitions in Australia as well as international exhibitions in which Australia is able to participate.
Exhibition Results - lists awards achieved at Australian National and modified National exhibitions as well as awards achieved by Australians participating in overseas philatelic exhibitions.
Exhibition Classes - provides information about the various classes of philatelic exhibiting.
APF News - gives you a summary of the latest edition of APF News, the official newsletter of the APF published each March, July and November.  Many of our more popular articles are now accessible on our website.
Youth - The APF's youth website houses an exciting wealth of competitions, activities, information and advice for young collectors.  There is a network of Youth Development Officers in each State and Territory who can also help you support our young collectors.
Products - the APF stocks a range of philatelic products including archival display pages, page protectors and exhibition souvenirs.  You can download an order form to order your requirements.
Research Assistance - the APF provides a free research assistance service for those collectors and exhibitors who require assistance in researching their particular area of interest.
Links - our links page aims to give you the most comprehensive listing of Australian based philatelic websites.  You can also use our links page as your base for surfing the internet.
Awards - the Australian Philatelic Order and the SPAN Awards recognise and honour philatelists who have made significant contributions to organised philately in Australia at the national level.  Here you can view the honour roll and find out when and where the next awards will be held.
Contacting Us - lists all the key contacts of the APF, almost all of whom are contactable by e-mail for your convenience.
State and Territory Guide:
Lists philatelic clubs and societies, stamps fairs and others special events, and services provided by your State or Territory Council.   Simply click on the green box at the top of the screen.

   APF Mission Statement

The mission of the Australian Philatelic Federation is:

  • to grow organised philately within Australia and provide international representation for that body of collectors;
  • to function as the National controlling body for organised philately in Australia;
  • to act as the voice of organised philately in Australia;
  • to represent the interests of organised philately, positively and effectively, to community and government organisations;
  • to represent Australian organised philately to international philatelic federations and other major international philatelic organisations;
  • to promote and encourage an increasing understanding of the art and science;
  • of philately among stamp collectors;  &
  • to increase the popular awareness of stamp collecting as an interesting,
  • rewarding and educative hobby.

 
   Where can I find out more ?

Clubs and Societies

Your nearest club or society is always keen to accept visitors and new members to their meetings.  Check out our clubs and societies guide - just click on your State or Territory green button above.

State and Territory Councils

To find about about services and programs provided by your State or Territory Council, simply click on your State or Territory button above, then look for your State / Territory Council name and simply click again.

APF News

APF News is published three times per year (normally in April, July and November) and is a free service from the Australian Philatelic Federation. APF News is distributed widely throughout the philatelic community including stamp clubs and societies, stamp dealers, and other interested persons and organisations. Individuals unable to obtain a copy from their local stamp club or dealer are welcome to request they be placed on the mailing list to obtain their own copy.  Requests can be mailed to The Editor, APF News, John Moore P.O Box 528, Cardiff, NSW.

Links to Other Websites

Visit our links page as a convenient base from which to search the internet for clubs, dealers, exhibitions and special interest sites.

Research Officers

The APF Research Assistance Service is designed to assist collectors in learning about their fields of interest and helping find solutions to difficult philatelic problems and by seeking to provide information not readily available to a collector.  Please note, this service is not for expertisation of stamps or for valuation purposes.

   Couldn't find what you wanted to know ?

If you couldn't find what you wanted to know on our website, e-mail the webmaster and let us know.  The APF is always keen to improve its website.