The Mount Austin Post Office's licensee only planned to take the job on for few years, but 26 years later, Russell Campbell is still there and loving it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"It just happened by chance, it was something I was only going into with my father-in-law for five years, and now it's been more than two decades," he said.
"We have had loyal customers come and go. We start with the parents and then the kids, and then it goes on, so sometimes it feels like we have been here for 100 years."
Mr Campbell said running a locally owned and operated post office during the pandemic was challenging, but he was incredibly proud of his staff for rising to the occasion.
He added that sending and receiving mail is only a fraction of the services they provide, making them a "hub" for any local community.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"We help with banking, passports and tax file numbers," Mr Campbell said.
"But, it's also a place where customers can come in and have a chat before the rest of their day.
"It's important that we do not lose that personal connection in society."
Mr Campbell and his team's hard work has paid off. It was announced that taking second place for NSW and eighth place nationally, the Mount Austin Post Office received the award for excellence in customer service and operations and its contribution to the local community.
Nicole Sheffield, Australia Post executive general manager of community and consumer, said these awards celebrate the hard work Australia Post's licensed partners commit to communities every day.
"The Mount Austin Post Office has shown a continued and unwavering focus on its customers and supporting the local community during an incredibly difficult year," she said.
"The critical role our licensed post office network plays has never been more important than it was during 2020.
"Not only did our post offices remain open during COVID-19, they helped people stay connected with friends and family and supported local businesses to grow in an accelerated eCommerce environment."
Mr Campbell thanked those who continue to support the Mount Austin Post Office.
"For to survive, we rely on locals coming to us," he said.
"We are locally owned and operated, which means you are supporting a Wagga business that employs Wagga staff, so thank you."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark dailyadvertiser.com.au
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters