Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery have today launched a joint petition calling on Australia Post to not close Shortland Post Office.

The Shortland Post Office has long served as a vital local hub for residents, especially older Australians, people with disabilities, and small business operators who rely on accessible, in-person postal services.

Our community is already reeling from the shock closures of post offices in Elermore Vale, Lambton, and Glendale. The closure of another post office in Shortland will only place additional strain on these branches, compounding existing service pressures and further diminishing the quality of postal access in my community.  

Australia Post is a cherished national institution, and it must set a high standard to continue to be a service locals can rely upon.

As such, formal representations have been made to the Minister for Communications, the Hon. Anika Wells MP, to urge her to work with Australia Post to urgently reverse this decision or increase postal services in the western suburbs of Newcastle.

Residents can sign a physical petition at the office of Sharon Claydon MP at 427 Hunter Street, Newcastle, the office of Sonia Hornery at 67 Nelson Street, Wallsend, or online here.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“This post office is not just a place to send mail – it is a vital community hub that many people in the western suburbs of Newcastle depend on.

“Forcing residents to travel to other post offices that are already under strain is simply not good enough. It’s unfair and unsustainable.

“I am calling on Australia Post and the Government to listen to our community and ensure we don’t lose essential services people rely on every single day.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

““Our outer suburbs deserve access to the same level of service as if you were in town. Residents rely on Post Offices not just to send mail, they are vital hubs for many older residents who do not trust online services.

“I’ll always fight for better services in our suburbs, residents should not have to travel to large centres to do basic services.”