Postcrossing Blog

Since Postman Pieter’s post last month was so popular, we’ve decided to officially open the blog to more postal workers. We want to know about the trustworthy men and women who sort and deliver your mail! What is it like for them, to work for the post office? How different is the job these days? And do they enjoy postcards as much as we do?

Deb (aka iphoto) from Australia asked all of these questions to her postwoman — who is also called Deb! :)

Postwoman Deb has worked for Australia Post for 32 years. She has been sorting the mail at the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre for the past 4 and before that Deb was a “postie” (delivering mail on a push-bike and walking with a backpack), a night sorter, a retail shop counter officer and a delivery centre admin. She and our Deb (iphoto) share many morning smiles while going over the quips and quotes on the many treasured postcards that go “down under”!

How has your job changed since you first started? Did it get easier, or just different, and in what ways?

When I first started with Australia Post all mail procedures were a lot more manual, there were very few female posties and many more people were still sending letters and postcards. Things are more automated now with most people emailing each other instead.

What do you think about all the postcards the Deb (iphoto) receives?

When I first noticed that Deb (iphoto) was receiving frequent amounts of postcards I actually confirmed with her that it was ok for me to read them… they often bring a smile to my day and I find them interesting and insightful!

Do you ever receive snail mail/ postcards yourself?

When Deb (iphoto) and her treasure Wayne travel they send me a postcard for my office wall. Occasionally when friends travel overseas, I find a joyful account of their travels in my letterbox at home when I get home from work — always a pleasant surprise!

Do you enjoy looking at the postcards that you sort each day?

YES! Postcards have always provided an insight into other countries with their scenic snapshots & candid descriptions from travelers. Postcrossing postcards are a little different in that the sender actually lives in the country of origin, so they give a first-hand report of life in their country.

What are some of the funnier things people complain to you about problems with the mail service?

Over the three decades I’ve worked for Australia Post I’ve heard all manner of complaints and compliments…

As a postie, the most common catch cry from customers was “ I don’t want it if it’s got a window” (here in Australia, envelopes with “windows” are probably bills) usually followed by a chuckle!

And when I worked in administration at a delivery centre we often received phone calls from customers complaining that their postie was riding across their lawn (on the council nature strip) and they’d like them to get off their motorbikes and walk to the letter boxes. Most posties were delivering to over 1,000 letterboxes, on their designated runs, so getting on and off their motorbikes was an unreasonable and impractical request!

However I would like you to know the majority are grateful for the service and as a postie in particular I would return from my daily delivery rounds at Christmas with gifts of gratitude which included chocolates, wine and many home made delights :D

That you Deb & Deb, that was really nice!

Do you know a postal worked who deserves to be featured on the blog? Send us a message and we’ll send you a list of questions for you to use! :)