Big Pats Creek resident Ron Howard had a parting ‘thank you’ gift for retiring postie Tina Coughlin.By Kath Gannaway
A SMILE, a wave and a bit of a chat have been as much Tina Coughlin’s tools of trade as her bright red delivery car.
The Australia Post mail contractor who retired on Friday after 18 years on the East Warburton to Reefton mail run says it is the people she will miss.
Ms Coughlin’s 76-kilometre run covers more than 400 stops from remote farmhouses to rural housing estates.
“I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been a great job and I’ve made some wonderful friends, but it’s time for a change,” Ms Coughlin said last week as she called for one last time on Big Pats Creek resident Ron Howard.
Email and mobile phones have changed the face of communication, but Ms Coughlin said snail mail still plays an important role in people’s lives.
“They still write letters, get parcels through the mail and send cards for special times like Christmas, birthdays and deaths,” Ms Coughlin said.
“I get as excited as they do with birthdays. You do take it all very personally. You get to know the people and they get to know you.
“Because some people live half an hour out along the road the daily mail delivery may be their only communication with the outside world for much of the week. Seeing the postie gives them someone to have a chat to,” Ms Coughlin said.
Speaking of chatting – Ms Coughlin is quietly pleased with the nickname one of her ladies has bestowed – Miss Havechat.
She cheerfully admits that on any given day what seemed like a five minute roadside chat has actually turned into half an hour.
“I’ll miss the friendships, and those chats most of all,” Ms Coughlin said.
And, Ms Coughlin will be missed.
Ron says Ms Coughlin’s been a wonderful postie.
“She always has a smile and a wave and has provided a very good roadside delivery,” he said presenting his favourite postie with a parting gift.
Norman Orr who runs the post office at Warburton agreed.
“Tina has been part of the furniture on that round for so long and there’s no doubt her customers and her colleagues here in Warburton are very sad to see her go.”
