Helen Dalton MP criticised Australia Post in a social media post. Photo: Supplied.
Australia Post has been accused of ending a delivery contractor’s engagement after she publicly criticised a downgrade of mail services in Coleambally – a claim the organisation says is inaccurate.
The town’s long-standing licensed post office closed suddenly on 6 February 2026 for reasons that have not been publicly explained.
Some services resumed the following week at Marilyn’s Pharmacy, but key functions are missing. The new outlet does not offer banking, BPAY bill payments or PO boxes.
The change also meant contractor Lana Evans had to travel to Narrandera, about 80 km away, to sort mail.
Ms Evans said she was unhappy with both the new arrangement and the reduction in services. She sought alternative employment and was due to start a new job in Griffith the following month.
She also contacted Helen Dalton MP to raise her concerns and later spoke to an ABC journalist.
“It was supposed to be my last day on Friday (20 March), but Australia Post fired me on the Thursday beforehand,” Ms Evans told Region.
“I was told I wasn’t allowed to come in on the Friday because I’d spoken to the media.
“I was on my way out, but they fired me before my last day. It’s a shame as I was so excited about doing my last rounds in Coleambally and giving the oldies a present.”
Australia Post disputes that account, saying it is inaccurate to suggest Ms Evans’ engagement ended because she spoke to the media.
In a Facebook post on 23 March, Ms Dalton criticised the organisation’s handling of the situation.
“Australia Post just fired one of the people who had the guts to speak out about what happened to Coleambally’s post office,” she wrote.
“This is how Australia Post tried to hide its problems. It sacks whistleblowers.
“Coleambally deserves its Post Office back. And whistleblowers should be celebrated, not sacked.”
Australia Post declined to respond to those claims but provided a broader statement about the closure.
“Australia Post acknowledges the unexpected closure of the Coleambally Licensed Post Office and the inconvenience this has caused some community members,” a spokesperson said.
“Licensed Post Offices are owned and operated by licensees as independent local businesses.
“We understand the importance of postal services for the community and moved quickly to establish a Community Postal Agency at Marilyn’s Pharmacy to support customers and maintain postal services in the town.
“Over the coming months we will review the current service to better understand community needs and the most suitable and viable option for the future.
“Coleambally residents can access full services, including banking and Billpay, at Darlington Point LPO and Whitton LPO.”
Ms Evans also alleged Australia Post failed to adequately oversee the previous Coleambally licensed post office and rejected offers from others to take over the licence. Australia Post declined to respond to these claims.
“Given the amount of money Australia Post has, it’s disgusting the way it strips essential services from towns,” Ms Evans said.
Coleambally residents who spoke to Region said they were grateful to Marilyn’s Pharmacy for stepping in, but want full services restored.
“There are people with no driver’s licences — we have older residents who now have to travel 33 km on a mobility scooter to pay an electricity bill, which is ridiculous,” retired farmer Peter O’Connor said.
“The only bank we have left is the Bendigo Bank, but a lot of farmers are with the Commonwealth Bank and used to do their banking at the post office. Now they have to travel to Darlington Point.”
