Where there’s hope, there’s life.
Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon has delivered some optimism to licensee Trish Firth after formally presenting a petition – with thousands of signatures – to Federal Parliament on Monday 26 February, calling on Australia Post to keep the Lambton Post Office open.
The government-owned corporation recently announced the Elder Street facility, inside the Lambton Nextra newsagency, would shut its doors on 1 May.
And, while there are 12 post offices within a five-kilometre radius in the local area, Lambton’s closure will be the third in the past six months, following in the footsteps of Glendale and Elermore Vale.
But, Ms Firth, backed by the community, refuses to go quietly.
“I’ll fight to the end to keep it… and I’ll do everything I can,” she said.
“Everyone uses it.
“Whether it’s paying a bill, picking up a parcel, applying for a new passport or collecting the mail, there are so many services that our post office counter offers.
“It’s such a busy little hub and if it goes, it’s not just going to affect me, it will affect the whole community.
“I’ve been told if we’re not here, people will go to Jesmond or Waratah, which will impact other businesses nearby.”
Within a fortnight, the Save Lambton Post Office petition secured more than 3,500 signatures.
Ms Claydon, who shares the residents’ concerns, is hopeful Australia Post will reverse its decision.
“Postal services are essential, providing access to vital services and connecting communities across the country,” she said.
“The residents of Lambton know this, which is why they are fighting to keep this post office open.
“My constituents are deeply distressed by this pending closure, including the brilliant Wallabies preschool children who attend the Elder Street Early Childhood Centre just around the corner.
“Their educator, Bree Creighton, told me: ‘The children are extremely saddened by the decision to close our local Lambton Post Office’.
“They regularly take excursions to learn about our postal system and services provided.
“Loula, age 3, wrote with concern that her dear friend Violet won’t be able to send letters to her grandmother, who lives in America. ‘They can’t close it,’ she said. ‘How will Violet send letters to Mami Letty anymore?’
“I want to thank Violet and the almost 4,000 people who have signed this petition and contacted me directly about the importance of keeping the Lambton Post Office open.
“I will also be making formal representations.”
It’s believed Australia Post is monitoring the situation.
“We understand the importance of postal services to the local community and acknowledge the concern around the Lambton Post Office,” a spokesperson said.
“We’ll continue to access customer demand and the services we provide in the area.
“We will keep the community updated, too.”
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