The story

When Sailors Bay Ward councillor Roy McCullagh expressed concerns in an October 2023 council meeting over the potential sale of the Artarmon Post Office building to developers, AusPost advised that it would not be closed until a suitable alternate location was found.

Yet in early January 2025 locals found a notification on the window of the post office that closure was slated for 12 March 2025 with no relocation plans. Locals were directed to consider using post offices in Chatswood, Willoughby, Lane Cove, or Crows Nest once the Artarmon office had officially closed.

Artarmon Village’s Facebook page stated that the closure was due to the building’s demolition as part of plans for a new $8.65 million shop-top housing development, and the comment section on the post flooded with expressions of disappointment. Post Office Box holders also received a letter outlining the plans, which include the removal of these much-utilised PO Boxes.

No reasonable alternatives

The busy post office in the high density suburb of Artarmon has served a population of close to 10,000 people — and the area has had a post office since 1924. It’s frequented by customers needing not only its mailing services but also its facility to pay bills, organise passports and insurance, and basic banking.

With no alternatives within reasonable walking distance and no banks currently in Artarmon, less mobile residents who rely on these extra services are left wondering what their options are.

The development application was lodged in early October 2023 by SJB Planning and public comment closed last August. Its status is listed as “being assessed by a development officer.”

Community action has been swift

Councillor Roy McCullagh convened a public protest about the closure on Saturday January 11, with Member for Willoughby Tim James in attendance as well as Councillor Anna Greco, who is running for Willoughby Council Mayor.

Councillor Greco organised a petition that gained 1811 signatures. It has been sent off to Canberra with an AusPost tracking number.

Tim James MP says he is engaging with Australia Post, community groups, and local council “to ensure Australia Post remains in Artarmon beyond the planned closure on the 12th of March 2025.”

On his Facebook page he wrote: “The community of Artarmon is standing up and strongly calling for Australia Post to reverse its decision to permanently close the local post office. Artarmon deserves better than this - and our local community relies on its local post office... Stay tuned.”

Councillor McCullagh has encouraged locals to express their concerns to him at [email protected] and to call AusPost on 13 76 78 to lodge a complaint. A petition is still live on Tim James’ website.