Coleambally farmer Rob Grant, with MP Helen Dalton and mayor Ruth McRae at the rally. Photo: Supplied.
A heated dispute over postal services in the Riverina has taken another twist, with Australia Post confirming it has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for a new licensed post office (LPO) operator in Coleambally following months of community anger, a protest rally, and an ugly confrontation in the NSW Parliament lobby involving a regional MP and the Australia Post CEO.
The EOI comes after the unexpected closure of the town’s previous LPO in February. While some basic services resumed the following week through Marilyn’s Pharmacy operating as a community postal agency, residents say the replacement has left a significant gap in day-to-day services, with no banking, BPAY bill payments, parcel tracking or PO boxes available – forcing locals to travel to towns such as Darlington Point to access full postal and financial services.
A community protest rally was held in the town’s main shopping area in April, with residents voicing concern that the downgrade represented another erosion of essential services in small rural towns.
The issue escalated further when NSW Murray MP Helen Dalton confronted Australia Post CEO Paul Graham in the NSW Parliament lobby over the handling of the LPO closure, an exchange that was filmed and widely shared online, intensifying scrutiny of Australia Post’s decision-making in the region.
Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae has also accused Australia Post of rejecting a council offer to help maintain full postal services in the town, while former mail contractor Lana Evans has claimed she was dismissed after speaking out about the downgrade and alleged other potential operators were not seriously considered.
It now appears Australia Post is seeking to reset the process.
“Australia Post has commenced an expressions of interest (EOI) process for a new licensed post office (LPO) operator in the Coleambally community,” a spokesman said.
“After the unexpected closure of the previous LPO, Marilyn’s Pharmacy stepped in at short notice to operate as a community postal agency, ensuring continued access to postal services with no disruption for customers.
“Businesses interested in operating an LPO in Coleambally can register their interest by emailing [email protected]. The EOI process will close at 5 pm on Friday 19 June 2026.”
Whether the EOI process restores a full-service post office – or simply formalises the current arrangement – is now the key question for a town that says it has been left carrying the cost of losing a service many once took for granted.
Mrs Dalton urged Coleambally residents to maintain the rage until full services are restored.
“The bigger and clearer the message, the harder it is for Australia Post to keep looking the other way,” she said.
Original Article published by Oliver Jacques on Region Riverina.
