Residents of the Fingal Valley have turned out in force in an attempt to save their local post office, forming what locals described as the “longest queue the valley has ever seen”.
The post office, one of the oldest in Tasmania, has been staffed by Australia Post since the previous licensee departed last year, but time is running out to find a new owner.
Hamish Thompson, who runs the local Flying Saucer Cafe and is leading the campaign to save the facility, estimated just under 400 people came to the protest event on Sunday.
“I almost cried actually when I saw all the people coming,” Thompson told 7 Tasmania.
“It’s like the internet for this community, we absolutely need it to keep running.”
For valley residents, losing the service would mean a 40km round trip to St Marys, creating hardship for many locals.
Thompson described the post office as a “lifeline” for the residents of several local towns, farms and properties in the valley.
The post office holds a special place in the heart of Fingal residents.
“The building is absolutely amazing, it must be one of the most picturesque post offices in the whole of Tasmania,” Thompson said.
Australia Post are encouraging prospective licensees for the post office to come forward.
