Emma Pritchard

Tuesday, October 8, 2024, marked the 150th Anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Grafton Post Office by the Mayoress of Grafton, Mrs Thomas Fisher.

Designed by colonial architect James Barnett, construction of the prominent two-story building in Victoria Street commenced in 1874 but was not completed until 1878.

While early postal services in Grafton were provided by Arthur Price, who kept a small premises alongside the Clarence River during the 1840s, Member for Clarence Thomas Bawden arranged for NSW Government funding and tenders were promptly called for to establish a permanent post and telegraph office in the steadily growing regional township.

Having proudly served the community for more than a century, the Grafton Post Office is part of the National Trust Victoria Street Classified Group, and the historical building attracts plenty of admiration from visitors to the region each year.