It was the end of an era for Wombat with 146 years of history and a succession of thirteen Postmasters and Postmistresses coming to an end when the Wombat Post Office and shop closed its doors on Monday, June 30, with the retirement of the present Postmistress Mrs Gill Apps.

Gill and her husband became the new proprietors of the Post Office and shop on October 31, 1984, after taking over from Mrs Hilda Minehan who had been Postmistress from June 1, 1943, until October 31, 1984, a period of 41years.

The first Postmaster to be appointed to Wombat was a Mr Joseph Broad on July 16 1862; the Post Office was incorporated with the local store, his salary being 12 pounds per annum.

Gill was a guest of honour at a special luncheon held at the Wombat Hotel last Sunday. Gill was presented with a gift of thanks from the residence of Wombat for her 24 years of service. Councillor Chris Manchester acknowledged the role Gill has played in the community and the loss of such a central point of village life.

Gill cut her farewell cake and the community wished her well for her retirement.