Australian Philatelic Federation

David Maiden, Honorary Fellow

On 5 August, 2000, the bestowing of an Honorary Fellowship took place in Melbourne for the first time. That honour was awarded to David Maiden, then Group Manager (Philatelic) of Australia Post.

David Maiden had been the Australia Post Philatelic Group Manager since November 1991. One of his tasks on joining the Philatelic Group was to preside over the opening of the National Philatelic Centre, located on the ground floor of Australia Post House in Melbourne. The Centre provides a showcase for treasures from the national archival collection, including stamp artwork, proofs and printed sheets, the Chapman Collection, and the stamp dies produced by Note Printing Australia.

David revived the concept of Stamp Collecting Month as a major annual promotion of stamp collecting by Australia Post, focusing particularly on young people. The theme of the first of the new-look, Stamp Collecting Month stamp designs was dinosaurs.

At a time of considerable change within Australia Post, with an entirely new approach to retailing, David Maiden has provided the human face of this vast enterprise as far as collectors are concerned. His column in the Australian Stamp Bulletin attracts a large volume of correspondence, all of which is personally answered.

David has made it his business to connect with all facets of philately – from the hard-nosed world of stamp traders, to the smallest of local stamp clubs, to the cream of elite collectors. He attends meetings of them all, gives informal presentations, and patiently answers questions from the floor.

His most memorable contribution to Australian philately has been the leading role he played in Australia 99: in persuading Australia Post to finance the exhibition; as the Expo’s Vice President, as a driving force on the Organising Committee; and in mobilising his staff to make the exhibition such an outstanding success. He also presided over the introduction of Personalised Stamps at the Expo, an innovation which may assist in prolonging the life of the postage stamp in this country.

Above all things, he is a communicator, and he has succeeded in building a bridge between the tall building in which he works and the wide world of philately, which has enabled a two-way flow of communication on a continuous, informed and friendly basis. David Maiden is a very worthy person to be selected as the first Honorary Fellow of the Australian Philatelic Order. The presentation was made by Maurice Williams, Guest of Honour.

[ Source: APF News, October 2000 ]

Postscript

Tony Shields (APTA President) with David Maiden On the 20th September 2002, David Maiden retired as Australia Post Philatelic Group Manager, a post he has held since November 1991. David had made it his business to connect with facets of philately - from the world of stamp dealers, the many stamp clubs, large and small to the cream of elite collectors.

In exhibitions in Australia, David has been at the forefront with his role as a Vice-President at Australia 99; to his financial support and in kind assistance to the National Exhibitions that are held yearly. As one of the last involvements with Australian Philately, David was part of the steering committee for the modified FIP World Exhibition held in Sydney in April 2005, Pacific Explorer 2005.

On August 5th 2000, David was honoured by the APF with the bestowing of an Honorary Fellowship of the Australian Philatelic Order. The APF wished to recognise the work done by David for Australian Philately.

David revived the concept of Stamp Collecting Month as a major annual promotion of stamp collecting by Australia Post, with a focus on young collectors.
With Australia Post's approach to retailing changing over the past decade, David provided the human face of this vast enterprise for the collector.
David's support for the APF is well known and he enjoys a close relationship with the members of the Federation's executive.

This previous month for David has been a busy one:

He gave an excellent talk at the Philatelic Gallery in Melbourne on the past, present and future of Australia Post involvement in Philately.
The Australian Philatelic Traders' Association, the third leg of the philatelic stool, honoured David with a valedictory dinner.
He attended the 2002 APF AGM in Adelaide and being no different to any other time in the job was ready and willing to answer questions.
Together with his wife, Trudi, he attended the APO Awards Presentation Dinner on 31st August 2002 in Adelaide.

Thanks David and best wishes to your future where ever it may take you.

[ Source: APF News, November 2002 ]