The Anderson family, owners of Mapleton IGA for nearly 30 years, are working around the clock to ensure the town’s postal services continue with minimal disruption. Despite a tight timeline and significant building requirements, the family is determined to keep this vital service in the village.
When Elizabeth and David announced the closure of the Mapleton Post Office due to health reasons, the community faced losing a service that has existed since 1893. Now, just weeks later, the Andersons have revealed the extensive preparations underway to move the service to the IGA.
The Transition Timeline
The changeover will happen faster than many expected. While dates are subject to final confirmation from Australia Post, the current plan is:
- Friday, 6 February: Current Post Office closes. *
- Monday, 9 February: New IGA Postal Service opens.
“We’re doing everything we can,” said Kel Anderson. “Australia Post is handling notifications to all PO Box holders about the changeover.”
However, Kel highlighted the fluid nature of the situation: “Australia Post don’t know for certain,” he admitted, noting that the exact dates are still being finalised.
Building Work and 24-Hour Access
To accommodate the move, significant renovations are underway, including a dedicated parcel room and 24-hour accessible PO boxes.
“There’ll be a parcel room with a doorway and window, and we’re building out to the footpath so all the letterboxes will be accessible outside all the time,” Kel explained.
The “Plan B” for Opening Day Because the permanent boxes may not be finished by the opening date, an interim plan is in place. “We won’t have the boxes ready initially, but we’ve got a plan,” Kel explained. “We’ll have pigeonholes at the back. You’ll have to come in and ask for your PO Box and staff will hand it over.”
This temporary arrangement has been approved by Australia Post while construction, supported by semi-retired local builder Ross Sinclair, continues.
Services: What to Expect
The goal is to provide a full suite of services, including:
- Stamps and parcels (Registered/Express)
- Bill payments and banking services
- PO Box mail collection
“We will try and do everything that they do, and maybe even more,” said Brendan Anderson, one of the incoming licensees. “But at this stage, we’re focusing more just on the banking and the post office.”
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
- Saturday: 9am – 12pm
The Challenge: IT, Training, and Timing
The transition involves more than just physical space; the technical requirements and staff training are the biggest hurdles. Marianne Fenton, one of the new postal licensees, is currently completing an intensive Australia Post training program. Her training includes sessions at the Australia Post Corporate Hub in Brisbane, two weeks at the Nambour Post Office, and several days of digital modules and examinations.
“I’m doing it straight after her,” Kel said, noting that multiple team members need to be certified.
The family is also ensuring the community has a familiar face during the switch. “We’ll have David (from the current post office) come across for a month to help with that transition,” Kel added. David’s presence will provide crucial continuity and expertise as the new team finds its feet.
Why Take It On?
The decision was a difficult one. “I did say no,” Kel admitted candidly. “But there was no one else… Australia Post said there was nowhere else in town that it could go, and they were hoping that we would take it on, or they’d have to close it.”
Ultimately, the family chose to step up to protect Mapleton’s future. “We didn’t want the community to go backwards,” Kel said. “It’d be sad to see something like that leave the community,” Brendan added. “We want to see the community prosper.”
A Three-Generation Legacy
The Anderson family’s commitment to Mapleton spans 30 years and three generations. Since purchasing the BP in 1995 and establishing the IGA 20 years ago, they have consistently invested in the town.
Brendan (Kel’s son) will take on the role of post office licensee, working alongside his aunt, Marianne.
A Request for Patience
The family is honest about the potential for a “bumpy start” as they navigate new IT systems and temporary manual mail sorting.
“All I’m asking is just bear with us while we’re opening up,” said Kel. “Maybe a few hiccups at the beginning, IT problems and whatever… it’s that or lose the service.”
Brendan agreed: “Things may be a little bit hard and might take longer at the beginning, but it will get better.”
* The exact opening date is subject to confirmation by Australia Post. The community will be notified of any changes to the planned 9 February opening. For current information, contact Mapleton IGA directly or check with Australia Post on 13 76 78.
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