Kurmond Post Office to Close After 21 Years

After more than two decades of dedicated service, the Kurmond Post Office will close its doors for the last time on Thursday, 26 September. The closure marks the end of an era for the small community of Kurmond and The Slopes, who have come to rely on this local institution.

David Hegarty, the familiar face behind the counter since 2003, has been a pillar of the community, processing parcels, taking bill payments, and passport applications and performing all the essential tasks that Australia Post provides. Many locals fondly recall flicking through his $2 second-hand book collection at the front counter while waiting for their parcels, a small gesture that raised money for cancer research. While others have enjoyed a few moments to catch up with neighbours in the queue. 

“I will miss David’s gentle dry humour, and wish him all the best,” said a lady outside the post office. “It will be sad to lose the convenience of having a post office in Kurmond.”

David Hegarty serves a customer in the Kurmond Post Office

The closure, prompted by Hegarty’s decision to spend more time with family, has left the community worried about future postal services. Most parcels will be rerouted to Kurrajong Post Office, which already faces challenges with long queues and limited space.

Those customers with PO boxes have already been informed by letter. Residents can access other postal services at Kurrajong LPO, North Richmond LPO, or Grose Vale LPO. 

However,  some have expressed concern about the impact on older people and those without transport, with some calling for Australia Post to consider establishing a parcel locker in Kurmond to maintain a level of service. Those interested in lobbying for this option can visit Australia Post’s feedback page at https://helpandsupport.auspost.com.au/s/products-and-services or call 13 76 78 (13 POST).

As the community prepares to bid farewell to their local post office, the closure serves as a timely reminder of the changing face of rural services and the importance local businesses play in fostering community spirit.