Hurstbridge in Nillumbik Shire, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Post Office & Former Observer Office

Stroll through History

— Hurstbridge Heritage Trail —

Post Office & Former Observer Office Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, July 7, 2026

1. Post Office & Former Observer Office Marker

Inscription. This building was originally built in 1918, for Robert Harris who was the owner, editor and printer of the Evelyn Observer. It was the second office of the influential newspaper; the first was in Kangaroo Ground. After Robert Harris's death, it continued to be occupied by the printers G. Armstrong and then later Decimus Mott, who went on to build the Leader Newspaper group, with his sons Walter and George. These families were prominent members of the local community and important figures in the establishment of the local press.

In 1932, the building was converted for use as a post office and the residence was added. Mrs May Gillies Ford was the first Post Mistress.

It has served as a post office since that time and has been a centre for community life for over 80 years. In 2005 Post Mistress Jane Lauber extensively renovated the building to include the cafe.

(Marker Number 1.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Communications. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.

Location. 37° 38.382′ S, 145° 11.576′ E. Marker is in Hurstbridge, Victoria, in Nillumbik Shire.

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It is on Heidelberg - Kinglake Road (Victoria Route C746) 0.1 kilometers north of Parker Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 794 Heidelberg - Kinglake Road, Hurstbridge VIC 3099, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

in Australasia,

in the Pacific Ocean,

in South Pacific,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Stroll through history (within shouting distance of this marker); Moonrise (approx. 5.4 kilometers away); The Orchard c.1904 (approx. 5.5 kilometers away); Walter Withers (approx. 9.1 kilometers away); Eltham Avenue of Honour (North) (approx. 10 kilometers away); Swimming Pool on the Plenty River (approx. 10.1 kilometers away); Quirk's the Tailor and Mrs Quirk's Tea Rooms (approx. 10.3 kilometers away); Eltham Avenue of Honour (South) (approx. 10.6 kilometers away).

Also see . . . Hurstbridge Heritage Trail. Melbourne

Post Office & Former Observer Office Marker at the Post Office image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, July 7, 2026

2. Post Office & Former Observer Office Marker at the Post Office

Playgrounds

Contains Map and Pictures of all 30 sites

(Submitted on August 16, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 23 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.