offices

The Brisbane GPO was built in 1872 to replace a temporary post office that operated elsewhere in Queen Street. A central tower, southern Telegraph Wing and clock were added in 1879. The complex held Brisbane’s first telephone exchange (1880) and was the telegram central distribution centre. A replacement clock was installed in 1908, when a three-storey building facing Elizabeth Street was added. Minor extensions occurred in 1911, 1943-44, 1957 and 1975. During World War II, its front was used as a saluting dais for military parades. A replacement clock was installed in 1982. In 1983, a postal and telecommunications museum was included within the GPO. Located in Queen Street, the original GPO building by FDG Stanley is an Italianate-influenced design with a near square plan form. The building is constructed of brick, porphyry (Brisbane Tuft) and sandstone. It has an arched sandstone colonnade at street level above which is a verandah whose roof is supported on Corinthian columns. The main entry of the building was marked by a triple bay projecting slightly forward and surmounted by a pediment enclosing a clock. The three central projecting bays of the arcade have vermiculated rustication below the line of the arches. Source: heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au/heritage-places/408

By 1865 the Cobb and Co transport service had become the official mail deliverer for Queensland. The Cobb and Co service started in Victoria, before expanding to New South Wales and Queensland, and was in operation until 1924, transporting passengers and mail across the state. If you are ever visiting Toowoomba, the Cobb and Co Museum is well worth a visit. Source: livingonthedowns.wordpress.com/2021/06/18/historic-toowoo...

This two-storey building has dominated the River Street location since its construction in 1883. The Mackay Post Office and Telegraph Office was designed in the 1870s, but the first stage was not constructed until 1883 with the adjoining Telegraph Office constructed in 1884. The construction is only two years after the city’s oldest building: The Australian Joint Stock Bank at 63 Victoria Street, constructed in 1881. Thus, the construction of such prominent buildings, both designed by the Colonial Architect, F.D.G. Stanley, demonstrate the growth and importance of the Mackay region in the late 19th century. The government architect, F.D.G. Stanley, was responsible for the design and construction of Queensland post offices from 1872 – 1881, and George Connolly between 1881-1883 and 1885-1891. The place has a strong association with past and present residents of the Mackay region as the primary center for communication, by mail, telegraph, or telephone since 1874 when the site was a postmaster's residence and office. The new buildings were constructed in stages: the left (east) side of the tower is the original post office opening in 1883. The tower and the telegraph office were constructed in 1884. Originally the lower level was post and telegraph services, kitchen and servants while the upper level was the post and telegraph masters residences. The building meets this criterion as a substantial masonry building with remnant classical detailing typical of Government designed buildings of the period. It is a strong feature in the River Street streetscape and is significant as a landmark building in Mackay. Source: www.mackay.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/211347/...