Rush is on as Mapleton IGA prepares to take on postal services from February

The Mapleton IGA and Post Office team includes, from left: Esther Anderson, Marianne Fenton, Brendan Anderson, owners  Linda & Kelly Anderson and Kel Anderson: “We are hoping we can give the same great service Elizabeth and David have given over the last 18 years.”

Australia Post has confirmed Mapleton IGA will take on postal services for the township from February 2026, ensuring the continuation of a vital community service following the closure of the Mapleton Licensed Post Office.

The existing post office, operated by Elizabeth and David, will close at 5pm on Monday, February 9, 2026, ending nearly 18 years of service to the Mapleton community. Their decision to step away has been made due to serious health concerns.

An Australia Post spokesperson said the arrangement would ensure continuity of postal services for the Mapleton community during a period of change.

“Australia Post is delighted to confirm the Mapleton IGA will be taking on postal services in town from February 2026, and will update the community as soon as there is more information to share,” the spokesperson said.

“This change follows a decision from local licensees Elizabeth and David who are stepping away due to serious health concerns. Australia Post would like to express our sincere gratitude to Elizabeth and David for their dedicated service to the community over nearly two decades.”

Mapleton IGA owners Kelly & Linda Anderson said the decision to take on the service was driven by a strong sense of community responsibility.

“Postal services are essential in a town like Mapleton,” he said. “And we’re proud to be stepping in to help keep this service local. We know how much Elizabeth and David have meant to this community, and we’ll do our best to honour that legacy. 

“We had very little time after Australia Post approached us to get up and running in time. Local builder Ross Sinclair, who has recently retired, is donating his expertise and skills to help our son Kel to design and build the extensions to cater for the Australia Post fit-out and post boxes. Meanwhile, Brendan Anderson and my daughter Marianne Fenton are currently doing the six-week course to enable us to become a Local Post Office and Brendan is excited to become the next postmaster in Mapleton.

Thanks to Elizabeth and David

“A huge thanks also to Elizabeth and David for all their assistance and thanks to the kind generosity of David, Mapleton customers will be seeing the same face when they come into the new post office to collect their parcels and mail.”

Mr Anderson said his family would be celebrating its milestone 30-years in business in Mapleton this year. “We are hoping we can give the same great service Elizabeth and David have given over the last 18 years, but we are asking the locals to be patient with us in the beginning until all of our building is completed, but please know, we are doing the best we can to be ready by early February.”