By Mitchell Clarke
The installation of a “much-needed” post box in Officer has been welcomed by community members, who will no longer need to travel into Pakenham or Beaconsfield to send mail.
The box, located at 397 Princes Highway, was installed in the booming township in late December, after the original post office was relocated to Cardinia Road.
But the persistence has paid off for Officer Community Association committee members Carol Porter and Jenny Stirling, who spent countless hours petitioning for a new localised service.
“It disturbed us greatly when the original post office and box got shifted … Every town needs a post box,” Mrs Porter said.
“I was just amazed. You travel all over the place and see these red letterboxes and I just thought ‘why don’t we have one in Officer?’”
With the assistance of Federal La Trobe MP Jason Wood, Ms Porter’s wish was eventually fulfilled, but it took a lot of time and pleading.
“There are quite a few businesses, particularly in what we call the old Officer, who rely on these services so I definitely kept on it. Persistence always works out and all is well that ends well,” Ms Porter said.
Fittingly, the Officer stalwart was one of the first in line to use the new service, posting her 85 Christmas letters the day after it opened.
“It’s a relief. I’m very grateful to Jason for pressing on with it. We were extremely delighted,” she added.
Mr Wood said a post box was an important asset to any township, but was especially needed to meet the demands of one of the country’s most booming areas.
“This is particularly important when you consider that Officer township is growing rapidly, with over 14 schools. Also, the local shire office is located there, it has a large shopping centre precinct coming, and an enormous increase in residential properties,” he said.
“The community interest in this new post box has been amazing. Post offices are such a vital central point of all communities in Australia – a bit like the RSL.”
