Parkes Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parkes Post Office (former) |
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| Location | 39 Currajong Street, Parkes, Parkes Shire, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1880 |
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| Official name: Parkes Post Office | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 717 |
| Type | Post Office |
| Category | Postal and Telecommunications |
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The Parkes Post Office is a very old building in Parkes, Australia. It used to be a post office but now it holds offices. This building is special because it's "heritage-listed," meaning it's protected for its historical importance.
It was built in 1880. Two important architects, James Barnet and Walter Liberty Vernon, helped design it. The building is privately owned today. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999, to make sure it stays safe and looked after.
Contents
A Look Back at the Parkes Post Office
The Parkes Post Office was built in 1880. It was designed by James Barnet, who was the main architect for the New South Wales government at the time. He was called the "Colonial Architect." Later, another Colonial Architect, Walter Liberty Vernon, made some big changes to how the building looked. Smaller changes were also made between 1901 and 1903.
This Post Office was one of the first important buildings in Parkes. It was part of a group of key buildings, like the Courthouse and Police Station, that formed the center of the town.
How the Post Office Shaped Parkes
For over 100 years, from 1880 to 1989, this building was a busy place. It was always used for sending mail and for telecommunications, like phone calls. It was a very important part of daily life for the people of Parkes.
The building changed over time to fit the needs of the community. These changes show how Parkes grew from a small settlement for miners into a modern town in the Central West region.
Protecting a Historic Building
In 1989, the local council, Parkes Shire Council, asked for the Post Office to be protected. This was because a new post office was being built. The old building would no longer be used for mail services.
The council wanted to make sure the old Post Office would not be lost. So, on February 6, 1990, a special order was put in place to protect it. This order was then moved to the State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.
After the new facility opened in 1990, the old Post Office stopped working as a post office. Since then, it has been used as offices.
Restoring the Old Post Office
The current owners, Peter and Maddalena Sgarlata, bought the building in 1990. They have done a lot of work to fix it up. For example, they replaced the roof tiles, which was a huge job!
Recently, the outside of the building got a fresh new look. This work was helped by the Heritage Council of NSW and the Parkes Shire Council. More work is planned for the future. This includes adding a ramp for people with disabilities. They also plan to light up the upstairs balcony and fix the old clock.
Why the Parkes Post Office is Important
The Parkes Post Office is considered a very important part of New South Wales's history. It shows how Parkes developed over time. It also stands out as a landmark in the town.
The building is also important for its architecture. It is a great example of the work done by the Colonial Architect and the Government Architect.
Because of its historical and architectural value, the Parkes Post Office was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.
Gallery
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An old photo of the Parkes Post Office.
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