Indooroopilly’s first purpose built Post Office in Station Road, slipped back on the block and extended in the early 1970s, and a view today illustrating the transition to high-rise behind (NAA and Author)
Indooroopilly became a destination when the railway arrived in the early/mid 1870s. Isolated, the new station had to be connected with a new road running down from Moggill Road. Station Road quickly became the commercial focus of the district (apparently with a preponderance of butchers’ shops).
In common with other stations along the line, railway staff took on the role of ‘Receiving Office Keeper’ on behalf of the Post Master General. Combined with their ‘day job’ the service was limited, they received and issued mail, could sell stamps and receive letters for posting.
In 1911 the ‘post office’ moved out of the railway station and into leased premises where it would stay until the 1920s when it was decided to purchase a plot of land and construct a new building. Plans were prepared, a tender called and a contract awarded. The new Post Office opened in 1926 and with minor enhancements served the local populace until the late 1960s. By then new business practice and technology required a rethink and an update of the accommodation. The 1920s building was eased back on the block and a large extension constructed on the street frontage.
The original facade can still be seen peeping above the roofline of the ‘new’ extension, already itself over 50 years old. A walk around the rear of the property suggests that there is still life in the old 1920s structure yet, even as it approaches its centenary. It is not alone along this stretch of Station Road, many of the single storey buildings are of a similar and older vintage.
Further reading https://brisbanehistorywest.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/07-posties-cops-and-ferrymen.pdf
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