General News
31 March, 2026
Final stamps on letters
JOHN Zappala and his wife Carmel have stepped away from the Bungalow post office after more than 27 years serving the local community.
Mr Zappala said the milestone marked a mix of emotions after nearly three decades behind the counter.
“With the sentiments coming back from our customers, you know, we sort of feel it’s very humbling, extremely humbling, the cards, the well wishes, the thoughts, very humbling, very humbling is probably the best way to say it,” he said.
“I had quite a few emotional days with customers coming in and expressing their thoughts about what they thought of us.”
Mr Zappala said the couple built strong relationships with customers, many of whom came to expect friendly banter during their visits.
“It was a very, very special relationship we had with our customers,” he said.
“And nobody ever seemed to take offence. You know, it was just one of those things where they expected to be, to be entertained, basically, when they come in,” he said.
Over the years, he has also seen significant changes in the postal industry, with traditional letter services declining.
“The letters are coming to a stop. So, the business is now predominantly parcels,” he said.
He credited his staff as a key part of the post office’s success, including one employee who had been there for 26 years and another for 17 years.
“My staff are definitely the biggest asset I have,” he said.
The decision to retire also comes as Mrs Zappala manages osteoporosis, with Mr Zappala saying the timing was right for her to step back from physically demanding work.
Travel plans, include around Australia and visiting New York, while Mr Zappala will later consider truck driving.
The post office has now been handed over to new operators, who already run the Edge Hill post office.
“I wish them good luck.” Mr Zappala said.
The couple’s departure marks the end of a long-standing chapter for the Bungalow community, with many locals reflecting on their service and presence over nearly three decades.
