Australia Post announced that Sydney’s most disadvantaged can benefit from a free PO Box service, providing them a physical postal address, following a successful initial trial.
The service, across eight city Post Offices, is available to eligible people via a letter of introduction from a recognised agency, like the St Vincent de Paul Society. The initiative is part of Australia Post’s ongoing effort to help disadvantaged members of the community.
Australia Post Executive General Manager, Community & Consumer Nicole Sheffield said the offer gives people without a fixed address the chance to reconnect with society.
“We are so pleased to offer this PO Box service to people who need our help the most,” Ms Sheffield said.
“The service helps people in special circumstances to re-establish vital connections with family and friends, government and financial services, and accommodation.
“It offers a safe and secure place to have mail sent to without fear of it being lost, stolen or withheld.
“It’s so important that everyone in our community has the opportunity to feel connected.”
St Vincent de Paul Society Senior Operations Manager, Brett Macklin said the initiative offers people the dignity of a fixed postal address and the opportunity to gain more control over their lives.
“This is a really important step, and provides people experiencing homelessness peace-of-mind knowing all their important mail items, including social service and medical documents, will continue to be delivered to a safe and secure place,” Mr Macklin said.
“Australia Post plays a big role across many communities, and this initiative allows people experiencing homelessness a new way to reconnect with society.”
Eligible customers can apply in store, and those with access to email can also opt into Australia Post’s Mail2Day service, which will notify them when mail is delivered to their PO Box.
The eight participating Post Offices are located at:
- Australia Square – 264a-278 George Street, Sydney
- Darlinghurst – 1/1-19 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
- Haymarket – Shop 13, 477 Pitt Street, Sydney
- Potts Point – 50-58 Macleay Street, Elizabeth Bay
- QVB – 44 Market Street, Sydney
- Royal Exchange – 38-40 Pitt Street, Sydney
- Strawberry Hills – 219-241 Cleveland Street, Redfern
- World Square – Shop 1048, 644 George Street, Sydney
