This month, one million households across Victoria will receive a special prepaid postcard thanks to Australia Post and Beyond Blue.
The Connection Postcard program is entering its fourth year, with a strong focus on encouraging greater community connection and supporting mental wellbeing across the country.
According to Ending Loneliness Together’s State of the Nation Report, nearly one in three Australians struggle with loneliness, especially in remote or regional areas, causing Australia Post to increase its distribution of postcards in this year’s program.
The two-part ‘Connection Postcard includes important mental health information and Beyond Blue contact details, and a detachable second part including a pre-paid postcard for recipients to pen a personalised note to send to a friend or loved one.
Created by regional Australian artist, Jocelyn Proust, the brand-new illustration includes two fairy wrens in a vibrant natural setting to signify the power of communication for connection and begins with the words, ‘sharing this postcard because I care’.
Australia Post general manager of community and stakeholder engagement, Nicky Tracey, said Australia Post is proud to be expanding the campaign in 2024.
“We know that when we connect, we feel better. This is why we’re delighted to be a longstanding partner of Beyond Blue, helping to connect people with each other and to mental health information,” she said.
“Last year’s Connection Postcard campaign demonstrated that 95%** of recipients who sent on the postcard felt more positive.”
The postcards include encourage people to share a thought, share a memory, and share a story.
Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman said the expanded campaign is coming at a time when greater community connection and awareness about accessible and affordable mental health support is critical.
“While people have never been more digitally connected, the research shows too many people experience feelings of disconnection, loneliness and isolation. In our fourth year in partnership with Australia Post, we hope to continue fostering genuine connection through the simple act of sending a personalised postcard, while also encouraging people to look after their mental health and know that Beyond Blue is always there for them with free support around the clock,” she said.
“Whether it’s a simple conversation, a supportive gesture, or a shared experience, fostering connection is essential for nurturing resilience, reducing isolation, and promoting overall wellbeing.”
