Date of Issue : 10 Jan 2003
Postmark : Corio VIC 3214
Denomination : 20c and 4 x 45c
Printing Process : Lithography
Sterner stamp vending machines used to dispense booklets of five stamps with a face value of AU$2.00 – 1 x 20c and 4 x 45c stamps, in the "Arts Councils" design. The "Arts Councils" stamps were first issued on 12 Sep 1996 as part of the 50th Anniversary of Arts Councils series. Due to low patronage and increasing costs of maintenance, Australia Post decided to withdraw Sterner machines from service from 11 Jan 2003 onwards. Above special Sterner last day cover was issued to mark the end of the Sterner era.