Mudgee Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mudgee Post Office |
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| Location | 80 Market Street, Mudgee, Mid-Western Regional Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1862– |
| Architect | NSW Colonial Architect's Office under Alexander Dawson. 1902 addition - Walter Liberty Vernon. |
| Owner | Australia Post |
| Official name: Mudgee Post Office & Quarters | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 17 December 1999 |
| Reference no. | 1314 |
| Type | Post Office |
| Category | Postal and Telecommunications |
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The Mudgee Post Office is a very old and important building in Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia. It's a special place because it's listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it's protected for its history and unique design.
The building was first designed by Alexander Dawson and built way back in 1862. Later, in 1902, Walter Liberty Vernon added some new parts. Today, Australia Post owns this historic building.
Contents
The Post Office's Story
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Before the current building, postal services in Mudgee were run from local shops. In 1861, a special building was designed for telegraph services. This was on the corner of Market and Perry Streets.
The Post Office first operated from the back of this building. Then, in 1875, a separate Post Office building was built next to the Telegraph Office.
Changes Over Time
The building had some changes in 1886. But big changes happened in 1902. The Public Works Department carried out major remodelling. This included adding the beautiful colonnade and the clock tower.
These 1902 changes were likely designed by Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon. There were plans to add a working clock, but it didn't happen. Another attempt in 1914 also failed.
What the Building Looks Like
The Mudgee Post Office is a single-storey building. It is made of brick and covered in a smooth, plaster-like finish called stucco. Its design is called Victorian Free Classical style.
Special Design Features
The building has an arched colonnade, which is a row of columns. These columns are inspired by ancient Greek and Roman styles. On each side of the colonnade, there are projecting sections.
These end sections have rectangular windows with special decorative blocks called quoining. Inside the colonnade, you'll find arched windows and doorways.
Above the colonnade, there's a classical-style railing called a balustrade. The middle part of the colonnade has a triangular roof section called a pediment. Above this is a small central belltower.
Condition of the Building
The building is in good condition. It still looks very much like it was designed. However, some modern telecommunications equipment has been added to the tower.
Why Mudgee Post Office is Special
The Mudgee Post Office is very important for a few reasons. It was one of the first big post offices built in country New South Wales. It's also a beautiful building that was cleverly updated over time.
Its design is quite unusual for a post office. This shows how old and unique it is.
Part of a Historic Area
The building is a key part of the streetscape on Market Street. It sits among other important historic buildings. These include the Police Station, the old Cudgegong Council Chambers, and the Court House. Together, they form a significant group of historic buildings.
Heritage Listing Reasons
The Mudgee Post Office was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999. This happened because it met several important criteria:
- It shows the history of New South Wales: It's one of the first major country post offices. It's linked to famous architects like Alexander Dawson and Walter Liberty Vernon.
- It's a beautiful and unique design: Its Victorian Free Classical style with Palladian features is rare for a post office in New South Wales. It also helps make Market Street look special.
- It's important to the community: As a well-known public building, the Mudgee Post Office is important to the local community's sense of place and history.
- It's a rare type of building: This style of post office building is not common in New South Wales.
- It represents a group of buildings: It's part of the group of post offices in NSW and shows the work of Dawson and Vernon.
