Updating Beechworth’s Post Office battle

“Beechworth residents’ efforts pay off, Post Office wins reprieve”

Maria Harvey of Beechworth’s Chamber of Commerce has asked us to pass on to PWF readers this good news headline in the Border Morning Mail (25.10.06).

Reporter Peter Wilson wrote saying, “Australia Post said … the Beechworth Post Office would remain a corporate outlet…a (welcome) announcement follow(ing) a sustained campaign by the Communication Workers’ Union, residents and the Beechworth Chamber of Commerce”.

The battle in NE Vic had been to get Australia Post to reconsider their decision to convert the local postal service from a corporate Australia Post operation (Australia Post operated by Aust. Post employees) to a licensed postal outlet, which would have meant the loss of the 140 year old post office and the seven jobs that went with it.

The Australian Industrial Relations Commission found that Beechworth Post Office with the present staffing level of seven full time employees did not meet the criteria for conversion to a licenced postal outlet.

Prior to this Australia Post had committed to negotiating to extend the lease in the current historic post office and to provide disabled access so the status quo remained for the time being.

Well done Beechworth!