Tuesday, 15 August 2023

Glenroy post office

Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (13:26): In early July locals were shocked to learn about the closure of the local post office in Glenroy by the end of August. This means that many, including elderly residents, those with mobility issues and those with limited access to transportation, will be left without this hub providing essential services. Post offices mean more than just postal services. Bills can be paid and applications can be made for important documents like passports. When banks close – and there have been a few closed in our community – we are told you can actually do your banking at Australia Post. Now that Australia Post is closing the community have really run out of excuses and are fed up.

The people of Glenroy are not going to take this lying down. Within hours a community campaign was launched, with locals signing a petition that is edging close to 3000 signatures. If this was not enough, on Friday 4 August the Glenroyals came out in their dozens to rally about this planned closure. I had the opportunity to join this rally organised by the Broadmeadows Progress Association with the support of the Glenroy Lions Club. The rally really sent a message that Australia Post hopefully heard loud and clear: keep the Glenroy post office open.

I had an opportunity to meet directly with Australia Post representatives. I made it clear to them they should reverse their closure, and if not, find an appropriate licensed post office location where they can partner with a local newsagency or chemist, as has been done in other areas.