A message of hope, from Kylie Rose

It’s been a surreal experience and just doesn’t seem fair that whilst we, at the Post Office, are busier than ever, so many of our friends, family and community members have lost their jobs. Living on an island that relies heavily on tourism and the businesses that support it, like hospitality and retail, we have been particularly hard hit.

Working at the Post Office, I have been so heartened by how many parcels and letters are being sent to loved ones, to brighten their days. Our parcel intake has increased 200 per cent, we don’t even see these volumes at Christmas time!

My staff have displayed incredible resilience since March when the effects of COVID-19 began to be felt.
We have been working Sundays behind the scenes just to keep up with demand and to try and limit delays for our community.

It has been a sometimes stressful and exhausting job, with uncertainty around our exposure to a possibly deadly virus.

But what has kept us all going, is the kindness and patience displayed by our customers. Thank you for the chocolates, the flowers and the words of appreciation, it really makes each day much easier to face.

If I have one thing to ask of our incredible community, it is to please shop locally, support the traders who are doing it tough and have experienced a huge downturn in trade.

If you are still employed, then a subtle but powerful way to show your support is by shopping at the wineries, the toy shop, the grocer or butcher, ordering takeaway when you can.

Many are now offering online options too.

But above all, smile though your masks, our eyes still speak volumes. 

Check in on your neighbours and let’s not forget the sense of community that makes our Island so special.  It’s times like these I am prouder than ever to call Phillip Island my home.

Stay safe and love to all from the team at Australia Post Cowes.