Australia Post has recently advised me that the Shortland post office will be closing its doors in November. This news has caused considerable distress for people in my community.

For Shortland residents, the post office has long served as a vital community hub, especially for the elderly, people with disabilities and small businesses who rely on accessible, in-person postal services.

Residents like Monica contacted my office and told me that the post office, which operates outside of regular business hours, has been a blessing to her over the years.

Like many other Shortland residents, Ruth tells me that alternative outlets in Wallsend and Jesmond are not convenient due to their location within large, very busy shopping centres.

Pip, a single mum of two kids, says she feels sick thinking about having to go to these alternative locations.

My community is already reeling from shock closures of post offices in Elermore Vale, Lambton and Glendale, not to mention the closure of Windale and Wangi Wangi post offices in my neighbouring electorates.

The closure of yet another post office will only place additional strain on the already under-pressure outlets at Wallsend and Jesmond. That's why I have written to the minister, asking that she work with Australia Post to reconsider this closure and increase services in the western suburbs of my electorate.

On every occasion, I have been a strong advocate for fair and equitable access to essential postal services, and you can be sure that I will continue to fight for our local post offices.