General News
21 June, 2025
Australia Post celebrates 150 years in Stawell
Stawell Post Office, one of Victoria's most prominent regional communication hubs, has connected generations of locals through calls, letters, telegrams and now digital services in its time.
Constructed in 1875 and added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004, the facility is celebrating 150 years of existence.
The history dates back to the late 1850s, during the Victorian gold rush, with the town’s first two formal post offices having opened in 1857 and 1859.
Later, these two post offices amalgamated, and the current Stawell Post Office, as it is known today, opened in April 1875.
The building has undergone numerous major internal renovations over the years, including the installation of a manual telephone exchange in 1905 which was later replaced by an automatic exchange in the 1960s.
The post office has been in continuous operation for more than 125 years and has played a key role in local life during this time.
During and after the 2023 bushfires, Australia Post provided free mail redirections for those who lost their homes in the disaster and held mail at Stawell Post Office for customers until they had alternative arrangements in place.
Sarah Burnett, the facility's postal manager, said it was clear how important the post office had been to the community over the years.
"From delivering telegrams during the Gold Rush to keeping the community connected through bushfires, our mission has stayed the same: to provide thoughtful and dedicated service to our community," Ms Burnett said.
"We’re proud to continue supporting Stawell and being a trusted part of daily life.”