The Story

As the busy Christmas delivery season comes to a close, Crows Nest locals are frustrated and puzzled that their local post office remains so far away from the main business hub. 

In 2018, the Crows Nest Post Office site on the corner of Hume Street was relocated to St. Leonards when Sydney Metro compulsorily acquired the original office space. The new St. Leonards location led Wollstonecraft Precinct chair John Hancox to launch a petition advocating for the post office's return to a more accessible location within Crows Nest. 

The petition cited issues like the lack of convenient parking, absence of a loading dock, and the distance from the local business hub, making it challenging to carry heavy parcels to.

When Hancox brought up the issue at a council meeting in 2022, North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker seconded his motion. 

With over 2800 signatures of support from residents, workers and local business owners, the petition received a “lukewarm response” from Australia Post according to the council report, even with the possibility of vacant commercial spaces at the metro site.

The Local View

More than two years later, community members have expressed praise for the post office staff but remain united in frustration with the St Leonards location. 

“The current location is extremely inconvenient. Parking is terrible, and alternate delivery options are unreliable,” martial arts instructor Rachael Crompton told the North Shore Lorikeet. 

Chloe Cusack, a local parent, highlighted further difficulties: “Getting there with a child is a nightmare. I can only imagine how hard it is for the elderly or those with mobility issues.”  

As frustrations continue, a common lament in community forums is the overabundance of chicken shops on Willoughby Road when essential services like Australia Post remain at a distance.

Despite this, locals have found alternatives. Some prefer the convenience of parking at the nearby St. Leonards Square car park, which offers 1.5 hours of free parking with validation. 

“It’s better than having to run the gauntlet of metered street parking,” one resident noted. Dennis Xenos, a local business owner, hopes new developments in the area will bring opportunity for positive change.

The Facts

At the time of the compulsory acquisition, Australia Post stated that the Pacific Highway location in St. Leonards was chosen because no viable commercial leases were available in Crows Nest. 

In January 2025, with retail space now for lease at the Metro station and in the main drag of Crows Nest, is it time to escalate the community call for the post office relocation? 

When contacted for comment, a spokesperson from Mayor Zoë Baker’s office said the Council’s CEO and Director for Planning and Environment, Marcelo Occhiuzzi, would be meeting with Australia Post this month as part of “ongoing stakeholder engagement within our Local Government Area.”

Further updates are awaited as the community’s need for change persists. Australia Post representatives have told Council that any inquiries should be directed to [email protected]