STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (13:38): I want to recognise and thank Margaret and John Wilson, who retire this month after 22 years running the Branxton post office. In 2003 they moved from Sydney to Branxton and took on a business that became much more than a workplace. For more than two decades they were familiar faces in the community, helping locals with postal services and building friendships along the way.

During that time, they've seen the post office change from passports, book banking and letters to a hub for online shopping and parcel deliveries, while the growth of Branxton and Huntlee brought many more customers through the door. Many locals will remember John continuing to serve customers while receiving treatment for bowel cancer during COVID, reflecting the dedication and resilience that both he and Margaret brought to their work.

Like many small business owners, they made sacrifices, missing family events to keep serving their community. While this marks the end of an era for the post office in Drinan Street, postal services will continue, with Piggott's pharmacy at Huntlee taking on the licence and ensuring the important service remains available locally. On behalf of the people of the Hunter electorate, I want to thank Margaret and John for their service and contribution to the Branxton area and wish them a long and happy retirement.

Just like Margaret and John have done for 22 years, the Albanese Labor government is delivering. It is delivering cheaper medicines, cheaper child care and a tax break for every single working Australian. We'll keep delivering, and thank you, John and Margaret, for what you do.