Top performance from our Post Office
Julie and Kerry Gittoes provide top service at the Guyra Post Office
02nd Jun 2020
Business is booming at the Guyra Post Office despite the Coronavirus lockdown, and the doors have remained open while other businesses and services were closed.
Their commitment to the community is nothing new and has been recognised with an Australia Post Retail Award which has placed them first out of 57 offices when compared against key performance indicators and business growth.
Australia Post’s Retail Rewards program is designed to recognise and reward top performing Post Office teams. They take into account a range of metrics including customer service and safety. Guyra Post Office finished first in the NSW Rural North Network with excellent results in customer service and safety and near-perfect results in all other measures. Guyra were also among the top performing outlets for the whole of NSW in March.
During the COVID-19 crisis there have been some changes with licensee Kerry Gittoes taking the decision to review operating hours as well as introducing strict hygiene practices to ensure that both staff and customers were protected.
Kerry said that customers have adapted well, which meant they were able to keep operating and business wise it has been busier than ever.
“We are always busy, but this period has been more like what we see around Christmas time and we have been flat out all the time,” Kerry said.
“Over the last few years our parcel deliveries have increased and this has escalated since the restrictions were imposed with people moving to online orders,” he said. “What we have also noticed is that there is renewed interest in letter writing.”
“I think that this is something positive that has happened with people learning the art of writing a letter and also the delight of receiving a letter in the mail. People are also sending care packages to family members while they can’t travel.”
“With a lot of other services shut down, we found that more people were coming in, particularly those who still prefer to pay in person and we also found they wanted to stay and chat more.”
“The big challenge has been getting people to bring their own pen when they come in to avoid possible contamination.”
June 2021
- Winter’s playground
- Business booms on first snow day of the year
- Boost for Spring Festival
- Team Guyra in training for 500km ride
- Create your own fibre art
- Northern Schools Prime Lamb Competition
- Winter’s first cold snap expected this week
- Is Tiley set to return to ‘paradise’
- Reconciliation Week learning
- Looking at the Big Picture
- RASF Scholarship for Stephanie Cameron
- Draft budget to focus on core values and improved financial management
- Grant for Guyra Men’s Shed
- Development Application approved for proposed Guyra preschool
- Positive milestone for Malpas upgrade
May 2021
- Joseph named Student of the Year
- Home made and happy at Silent Hands
- North West Careers Expo
- Chamber choir Fiori Musicali performs in Guyra
- Firies urge residents to be winter fire safe
- Cross country Success
- Shearing traineeship helps fill skills gap
- On the job with Jenny Atkin
- Residents reject ‘Tree Change’
- Deadline extended for CBD roadworks
- Permanent application of temporary SV approved by IPART
- New shed for Lamb & Potato Festival
- Passing of local legend Ted Mulligan
- $10,000 grant for Garden Club
- Fire station Open Day
- Highway safety project starts north of Guyra
- Bald Blair back for term two
- Free Community Workshop
- Final Forum - Climate Risk Workshop Series
- New homes for Guyra Greater Gliders
- Teddy Bear’s Picnic to celebrate Family Day Care Week
- Fishers invited to reel in prize-winning rainbow trout
- Feedback wanted for draft Koala Strategy
- Costa Group founder dies
- Podiatry Chair for Kolora
- Markets set to mark first birthday
April 2021
- Anzac Day 2021
- CBD upgrade enters next stage
- Polocrosse Club back in the saddle after two years
- Chamber Choir and Country Music star coming our way
- Stock Dog ‘Challenge’ a Great Success
- Long-term permits now available for TSRs
- Time’s up on RFS career
- Waste services guide in the mail
- New process for issuing penalty infringement notices
- NBN upgrade supports local industry
- Fee rebate comes at a good time
- Lions Form It Up at Kolora
- VRA looking for new recruits
- New tanker delivered for Tingha RFS
- What we do at The Hub
- Guyra tree tops the list
- Men’s Shed on the move
- Bald Blair Public School is 100
- Free live music events for Youth Week
- The free health check every man needs
- Save & Grow Guyra forging ahead
- Workshops to help cope with climate risks
- Drachenfels takes 2021 Guyra Cup
- Tour de Cure passes through town
- Council fined for unlawfully taking water
- Need a room? The Hub can help
- Can Assist Fundraiser
- Soonchild in the saddle for Sadie’s wild ride
- One year on for Poetry Hall of Fame
- Search on for local artist to create mural
March 2021
- CWA State President visits
- New owners for local gym
- $10,000 grant to plant Memorial Avenue
- Council to donate hay to flood affected regions
- RFS celebrate new tankers and long serving members
- Sydney Writers’ Festival to be streamed at Guyra Library
- Ben Lomond Hall impacted by flash flooding
- Dams full across the Armidale region
- Donate responsibly to flood-affected communities
- Dine and Discover now being served up
- Funding for new equipment at Preschool
- CWA members gather in Guyra
- New UNE Study Hub officially open
- Now is the time to act on separation
- Funds go to Helicopter
- Fresh coat of paint for Railway Station
- ‘Stock Dog Challenge’ coming to Guyra
- Local Government elections to be held this September
- Costa Scholarship sets local student up for success
- Guyra student speaking on behalf of rural youth
- Lions Youth of the Year
- $1.037 million for local road upgrades
- $781,668 for new Showground amenities
- Telehealth counselling now available
- Get ready for your vaccination
- New phone policy has positive effects
- Camping out at Black Mountain Railway Station
- Budget review yields positive step for Council
- $1.3 million NE Highway upgrade begins
- Amos Vale goes back to back
- Opportunities grow for Sara
- UPDATED: Storm hits hard
- Council adopts new Drought Management Plan
- Now is the time to act on Malpas Dam Wall
- Meet this year’s Guyra Central School Leaders
February 2021
- Speculation around local council elections in September
- Cattle stewards’ contribution recognised
- 2021 Lamb Show and Sale
- Life Membership for Dorothy Lockyer
- A spectacular 2021 Show
- Show time this weekend
- Champions in the pool
- New manager at The Hub
- Chamber Chatter
- Small Schools Swimming Carnival
- Major take-up milestone for seniors travel card
- Northern Tablelands land values rise
- Kevin Dupé to retire
- St Mary’s is a special place to be
- Preschool needs more funds
- CBD mural decision deferred
- Nominate now for Queen’s Birthday COVID-19 recognition
- Businesses urged to register for dine & discover stimulus
- New paws on the beat
January 2021
- Guyra's top citizens recognised on Australia Day
- $63,000 ramps up access to Community Hall
- Local students enjoy taste of science
- CWA Art Show
- Spotlight on NEW Business Highland Speech Pathology
- Health Service Fun Day a smashing success
- Long service medal and citations for RFS members
- Spuds going global
- $3.8 million needed to remediate old Guyra Landfill
- Have a fun family day out
- Four nominations for Citizen of the Year
December 2020
- COVID grant delivers $985,000 for Guyra
- Rotary Christmas Raffle
- What’s happening in January 2021?
- Plans in place for COVID safe Show
- Champion volunteers honoured
- Protesters fight for change
- New Mayor and Deputy elected
- Enrolments on the rise for 2021
- Achievements celebrated
- Farewell and welcome
- Shearer training opportunity
- Bore water supply review finds Council complied with obligations
- 19 year old dies in highway accident
- Ribbon cutting for redeveloped Hub
- Schools take part in water safety programs
- Ratepayer activists demand fairness and transparency
- Submissions still open on the proposed SRV
- $20,000 for new smart boards
- Santa out and about on two wheels
- Financial reports confirm worst fears
- Fitting tribute for horse enthusiast
- Dancers take to the stage in Guyra
- "Compelling case" for Rail Trail
- No further action on hydrotherapy pool project
- Water conservation needed as temperatures climb
November 2020
- Peonies pull them in
- Separation plan for new council almost ready
- Rotary public speaking
- Have Your Say: November 25th
- Spotlight – High On Health Natural Therapies
- Honeybee Swarm Season begins
- Councillors back, but with restrictions
- Year 12 told to ‘follow your dreams’
- Guyra farmers will be the big losers
- Peony Festival set to take off
- Fibre Art the focus of new Guyra gallery
- Savings promised for forced amalgamations buried in red ink
- Bald Blair welcomes back transition
- Preschool marks NAIDOC Week
- Zooming in for NAIDOC celebrations
- Postie Bike Dash invades town
- New General Manager to start in January
- CBD powerlines set to get overhauled
- Guyra Show will go on
- $150,000 for Tingha Gems
- Crews respond to unplanned power outage
- Spotlight - JoJo’s Coffee Shop
- Join the New England Gift Card promotion
- Man charged with cattle theft following investigation
- New Mobile Phone Tower at Copeton Dam switched on
- Adopted planning statement sets clear vision for region
- Sharon’s significant contribution recognised
- Book Week Celebrations at Guyra Central
- Gold record now part of museum collection
- Smart water meters proposed for households
- Spotlight - Black Sheep Wool’’n’Wares
- Council seeks views on Special Rate Variation
- Walkers raise $2739 during October
October 2020
- Saleyard upgrades get go ahead
- Discovering science in a fun way
- Q Fever vaccination clinics return
- Garden Club introduces weekend meetings
- Will you help share the dignity?
- Essential work on local powerlines this weekend
- Explosion of colour brightens bare wall
- Awareness day powered by pink
- Push for upgrade of Guyra saleyards
- Enjoy some Halloween fun in Guyra
- Old car finds new home in car museum
- A workshop for anyone interested in wildlife rescue
- Water consumption goes on display
- Dancing through the pandemic
- Quest for Polar Bears get back in the pool
- Revised CBD speed limit for Bradley Street
- Second term as President of NSW Farmers
- Planning begins for Spring Flower Festival
- Peony Festival to bloom in November
- Squealing Piglets ride in for Men’s Health
- HAVE YOUR SAY: No windfarms on prime agricultural land
- Main street upgrade works set to restart
- Chamber Chatter
September 2020
- Spotlight on business - Burgess Garage Car Museum
- Planning milestone for proposed wind farm
- Learning centre plans go on public display
- Majority still want rural council
- Stepping up to the challenge
- Inquiry into dysfunction
- Spotlight on business - Sarah Wren
- Trampolines added to new playground
- Brow salon now open in Guyra
- Medallions for our WWII veterans
- Health message with coffee
- Mural brings walls to life
- Wartime memorabilia preserved
- New President for Guyra Chamber
- Second man charged after vehicle rammed near Guyra
- Dynamic lagoons survey online
- Spotlight on business - The Rainbow Room
- Best result for Glenmorgan
- Local student selected for rural leadership program
- Will our festival go ahead?
- Library restrictions eased
- A workaholic with a passion for plants
- Vehicle rammed and two detained
- Rotary welcomes incoming team
- Spotlight on Local Business - Hammond Plumbing & Khammo
- New leader for Tablelands Health Sector
- Hunt on for new GM as ban extended
- Bin audit identifies need for more organics diversion
- CWA takes stand against domestic violence
- Free course to identify and assist people struggling with mental health
- Vegetation program to ensure power safety
- Spotlight on Local Business - Sue Ross Real Estate
- Education Awards
August 2020
- Ben Lomond RFS celebrates
- Snow day falls short of predictions
- Water restrictions eased to level 3
- Spotlight on Local Business - BESTECH P/L & GUYRA MOWERS & CHAINSAWS
- Sports Reports August 19th, 2020
- Film Society launched
- Bridgewater tops at $10,000
- Local support drives Glenavon sale
- Bald Blair breaks records at annual sale
- Past connections prove a winner
- Operation Stock Check to combat livestock theft
- Hub expansion taking shape
- Meeting backs new Rural Council
- Community survey for learning centre design
- NAB changes opening hours
- Spark remains strong for Geoff Thrift
- Water is life!
- End of an Era for local milkos
- New gateway to Mother of Ducks
- Free webinars help prepare for future disaster events
- Catholic Schools Week
- Spotlight on Local Business – PF & JD Dullaway
- Winner claims Keno prize
- Relief for farmers with multiple holdings
July 2020
- Deano’s shines on lifestyle show
- Keno looking for $45,000 winner
- Show heading in the right direction
- Spotlight on Local Business - Kirk’s IGA
- Level 5 water restrictions will remain
- Malpas dam restocked with rainbow trout
- Scammers targeting the region
- Cattle stolen from Ben Lomond stock route
- Grandstand is something to cheer about
- Beauty Basics by Em now open
- COVID unleashes creativity
- Reverend Campbell becomes State Moderator
- Martin, Murray and Widders gone
- Coming home to Guyra
- Acting General Manager appointed
- Region set to light up
- Spotlight on Local Business - Dasha’s Hardware
- Tropical Winter Song Launch
- OPINION:Should Guyra get its Council back?
- College corner - There’s never been a better time
- Why we need to pay more for water
- Guyra’s Blue Tree
- Grandstand under construction
- Spotlight of Local Business - CT Electric
- Film nights set to return
- Ebor hatchery busy breeding trout
June 2020
- Rainbow Room here to stay
- A just reward for a helping hand
- Crafty ladies give back to community
- Police warn there are no excuses for drink driving
- Regeneration a boost to precious habitat
- Farmers filthy about rubbish charges
- Draft Budget and Operational Plan on exhibition
- Much loved Principal retires
- Release of report fails to stem protests
- The community deserves better
- Sam White to head Angus Australia
- $66,270 grant secured for Showground
- Water sustainability number one for Costa Group
- Is our Lagoon at risk?
- Council suspended and administrator appointed
- Markets and more happening
- Funding boost for hydrotherapy pool complex
- Councillor Gray calls its quits
- ‘In this together’ planting trees at Little Llangothlin
- ‘Why you need Indoor plants in your life’
- OAM for Aileen MacDonald
- Guyra Police investigating thefts
- House damaged by fire in South Guyra
- First snow day of the year
- Administration now a certainty
- Top performance from our Post Office
- Library reopens its doors
- “Be creative with your space”
- Sewing up new jobs
- Wild dog baiting program takes off
- The doors are open again!
May 2020
- Getting back to normal for pubs and club
- Two new energy projects for district
- Community survey for playground equipment
- Arrests over Guyra break and enter
- College Connections
- $400,000 expansion of ‘The Hub’ poised to start
- Minister intervenes in council dispute
- Diners welcomed back in store as restrictions ease
- Mayor welcomes additional assistance
- Rail trail decision unchanged
- Waste turned into art
- Community webinars on groundwater network
- New early learning centre for Guyra
- Whimsical and colourful store opens
- Kids get back to school as restrictions ease
- Restoration grant for historic Church
- CEO showdown in court as Minister called in
- Have your say
- Get out your Green Thumbs!
- COVID-19 Boost for NECC
- Sales hot as auctions go online
- CEO stoush on again
- Tiny toilets unveiled at rec ground
April 2020
- Candles at dawn honour ANZACs
- ANZAC services with a difference
- Crime victim thanks local heroes
- Rail trail motion deferred again
- Drive-through COVID-19 testing
- Learning continues at Black Mountain
- Drought Aid campaign wraps up
- Autumn glory in the garden
- New cafe open for business
- Council takes action on feral cats
- Monitoring bores being installed
- A different day dawns for ANZACs
- Bin audit to assess contanimation
- No public services for ANZAC Day
- Poetry in motion, despite isolation
- Calls to care for Mother of Ducks
- Learning to learn online
- Lamb & Potato Festival scores $130,000 for new space
- Growing tomatoes is an essential service
- MPS has plans in place for pandemic
- Flight lifeline needed after Qantas halts service
- A potted history of the Mother of Ducks Lagoon
- Free TAFE courses on during pandemic
- Letters to the Editor
- Man charged with multiple offences after pursuit in Guyra
- Guyra couple celebrate Platinum Anniversary
- Supermarket workers at the front line
- Historical Society needs your help.
March 2020
- Council elections pushed back by 12 months
- Important Update from your local newspaper
- A helping hand from VRA
- Be calm and stay patient, we are in this together
- St Patrick’s day fun and games
- Book and Collect from Library
- Pandemic strikes hard, forcing a new way of doing business
- MP urges community to keep it real
- Council closes facilities and offices
- Grand plans for grand old theatre
- CWA test skills at group level
- Hope Family Fun Day cancelled
- How to protect your health
- Future bright for Class of 2019
- Armidale Probus come up the hill
- Lions mystery outing a hit with seniors
- Glitz and Glamour on the dance floor
- ADRA expanding to better serve community
- Rail Trail back on the agenda
- Amazing artworks on show
- Show season starts with success at Glen Innes
- Turmoil in the ranks - moves to sack CEO
February 2020
- Show marks new beginning
- Country life suits new Anglican Minister
- Region plays critical role during bushfires
- Malpas Dam hits 50 percent
- St Marys swimming carnival
- Funding boost for Ben Lomond and Guyra projects
- High speed chase ends in Guyra
- Showgirls inspire and learn
- ‘Glimpses of New England’
- Show stopper planned for 2020
- Fundraiser planned for Hope family
- ATMs smashed, but thief left empty handed
- Turning waste into business opportunity
- Glitzy gathering coming up Seniors
- Water strategy a key step to higher dam capacity
- Appeal for cohesion to achieve Council goals
- Councillors concerns over Mayor’s leadership
- Jean Vickery named as Coffs Harbour Citizen of the Year
- Life Lessons learned in Guyra by Warrnambool Citizen of the Year
- Pamper night works wonders
- The Class of 2020
January 2020
- STATEMENT FROM ADAM MARSHALL ON COUNCIL
- AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD FOR DOROTHY VICKERY OAM
- Hay delivery another reason to smile
- GIVIT ready to help out
- Final thank you to Frank Presnell
- Life membership for Bertha and Geoff Reeves
- Dams full but water restrictions will remain until drought breaks
- Sue Adams named Guyra’s Citizen of the Year
- Train passes the test
- Who will be our Citizen of the Year?
- Guyra Dam at 31 percent capacity following recent rain
- Art Exhibition branches out
- Totems unveiled at Kolora
- Australia All Over in Guyra for Australia Day broadcast
- Lamb and Potato Festival gets underway
- Music in the street on Saturday
- Grant funds help raise the roof
- Guyra finally makes the switch to NBN
- THE Seed SCHEME to launch in Guyra
- RFS volunteers urged to register interest for assistance
- Crews from across the State head to south-east NSW to help get the power back on
- $7,700 to ensure Guyra Show goes ahead
- Leading sports presenter is Australia Day Ambassador
- Water update information sessions next week in Guyra
- Westpac Helicopter lands in Guyra on New Year's Day
December 2019
- City Santa gives to Bush Kids
- Fire on the home front
- Messages of Hope arrive for farmers
- ‘ Into the Dreaming’ resources for MPS
- Sarah thanks community ahead of tour
- New airport bore supports aerial firefighting
- Christmas arrives in style
- Graduation time for Preschool
- World’s best practice for proposed Guyra abattoir
- Bus service to make detour to Ben Lomond
- 30th Bowls Carnival underway
- Naming honour for former civic leader
- Choir prepares for Carol services
- Swim School underway
- Schools Spectacular comes to television
- Quicker payments to assist business
- Test drilling brings positive signs
November 2019
- Christmas party in the street
- Four words that boosted the bush
- Outstanding feat of survival
- Have your say
- Lions Youth of the Year
- Santa ready to roll out gifts
- Share a coffee and your ideas at a Cafe catch-up
- Santa’s special run this Christmas
- Have your say
- Australian theme for dance recital
- A gift of water for Guyra
- Total Fire Ban declared
- A hug in the box for the bush
- Amazing ladies of the CWA get to work
- Variety Postie Bike Dash stops at Bald Blair
- Council bushfire measures
- Be prepared to leave
- Kolora residents evacuated to Inverell
- 7000 hectares burnt out in Wandsworth & Llangothlin fires
- Paying tribute on Remembrance Day
- Wandsworth fire spreading towards Ben Lomond
- Red ribbon day for Gun Club
- Can Assist Melbourne Cup Lunch
- Costa expansion on hold due to big dry
- Black sheep is back with new owner
- Facelift for GALA Centre
- Tour de Rocks - on the road again
- Talented students to perform at CAPERS
- Old school friends catch up at reunion
- 2019 NSW All School Touch
October 2019
- Ready to step into the spotlight
- Students inspired by the gift of service
- New card system for water filling stations
- Q Fever vaccination program to run again
- Regional development visionaries sought
- Regional development visionaries sought
- Classifieds
- Community Noticeboard
- Year 6 camp a learning experience
- Sharing the Dignity this Christmas
- Expo a one-stop shop for water saving ideas
- Diabetes experts visit Guyra
- Leadership positions at TAS
- Bushfire appeal boosted by councillors
- Painting brings back fond memories
- Fun and fashions at Ben Lomond
- Backwater comes under fire
- Rail trail business case on track
- Smart water strategies key to business resilience
- Home grown radio program
- Drilling underway in quest for water
- Charity in action
- Visit looks at heritage rail proposal
- Drought breaking Show planned for 2020
- OBITUARY Gilbert White 1925 ~2019
- Afternoon of fashion, food and fun at Ben Lomond Hall
- Proposed changes to Armidale radio frequencies
- Water dispensing station at Mother of Ducks now open
- CWA helping out in the drought
- TroutFest a winner in tough times
- Pipeline becomes lifeline
- Test drilling for bores underway
- TroutFest Fishing Clinic
- Wash away the drought blues
- Schools out for Year 12
- Fishy weekend coming up
- Gold medal for Deano’s trout
- Think pink this October
- Stock missing from Guyra property
- Bradley St expected to reopen on Thursday
- Immediate drought assistance available in the New England
September 2019
- Rebates for residential water saving products start October 1st
- Pool opening despite the drought
- Ever seen or heard an oddgeridoo?
- Savannah set to shine at Schools Spectacular
- 1969 - A victory to remember
- Laundry popping up for rural residents
- Roadworks in full swing
- End of an era for favourite store
- Membership drive for ratepayers association
- Riding for Camp Quality
- Polocrosse digs deep for Sammy
- Open day and sale at Peterson Kelpies
- Murray re-elected as Mayor
- Emergency hay for fire affected farmers
- Deer Information Evening to explain changes
- Roadworks underway in Bradley St
- Catching up over Scones
- One-stop shop rolling in to town next week
- Superhero Day at Bald Blair
- Fire chief signs off for last time
- Grandstand gets go ahead
- Start date for CBD upgrade
- Total fire ban declared
- Father's Day breakfast at St Mary's
- New store a welcome addition
- LLS here to help
- Centenary Celebrations for Bald Blair in 2020
- NAIDOC Experience
- Planting the seeds for bushfire cooperation
- Council pursues SRV and harmonisation of rates
August 2019
- Positive results to groundwater study of Guyra area
- Start a ‘Sconversation’ on mental health
- Goodwill breakfast and gifts
- Leadership Induction Ceremony
- Every Student, Every Voice
- Guyra Gift winners
- Restricted access at Kolora due to gastro outbreak
- ‘Wyldlife’ Camp for Guyra Youth
- Inspiring ideas shine
- September start for main street
- Athletics talents on show
- Malpas pipeline in testing phase
- Country Cup Champions
- Drover’s Run raises $250,000 for Rescue Helicopter
- Avalanche of snow chasers
- Community supporting community through Community Partnership Program
- Fires claims life in Guyra
- Well deserved recognition
- OPINION: Water a hot topic for ratepayers
- Guyra well represented at NSW Farmers Conference
- Crowdfunding campaign launched for rail trail business plan
- Frockers flock to Ben Lomond
- Guyra Unites for Major Fundraiser
- Fight to upgrade Malpas Dam goes to Canberra
- The key to unlocking grazing systems management
- Supporting our farmers
- Symposium sparks cooperative path
- ‘Old Boys Day’ Fundraiser
July 2019
- Meet our latest medical recruits
- Exploring wellness in our community
- Bush fire danger period starts
- Byron Bay artist helps out the bush
- Outback adventure just days away
- Rehydrating the soil pays dividends
- Preschool sets example with water savings
- Head on down to BottomPub for a fun night out for juniors
- A & J Vietnamese opening
- Community forums for library strategy
- GET BEHIND Guyra’s COMMUNITY projects
- Frock up at Ben Lomond
- Troutfest planning underway
- Media spotlight on our town
- Talking dry times in the garden
- Oval named in Ted’s honour
- Sarah leads the way
- New venture for team Crop
- Tingha exits to Inverell
- Councillors divided on Guyra meetings
- Deputy Premier visits Malpas Dam
- Dancers shine at Eisteddfods