THE 114-year-old Wonthaggi Post Office, on the corner of Watt Street and McBride Avenue, will be returned to its former glory under a $1 million refurbishment set to begin in November this year.
And the work will be done by a local company, TS Constructions, after the Bass Coast Shire Council awarded the contract at its council meeting last Wednesday, October 15.
Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead welcomed the appointment of “a trusted local contractor for such an important heritage project”.
“TS Constructions has demonstrated outstanding expertise in heritage restoration and a deep appreciation of what this building means to Wonthaggi,” she said.
“This project will not only preserve a much-loved landmark but also celebrate the craftsmanship and stories embedded in its walls.”
In announcing the awarding of the contract, the shire’s General Manager Innovation and Engagement, Patrick Dillon, said TS Constructions represented the “best value for money” among tenderers, noting that “they achieved the highest score for its comprehensive understanding of the project, particularly the importance of the building’s heritage” while demonstrating the capability and experience to deliver the project.
Wonthaggi Councillor Brett Tessari also welcomed the shire’s commitment to restoring the “gorgeous” old post office.
“This is a beautiful old building but unfortunately, in disrepair inside. This tender, approved today, will get this building brought up, not only to code, but to where it should be, and that is usable. You can't go upstairs at the moment because the stairs are ruined, the plaster is rotted out and it's in such a poor condition, the roof also leaks,” said Cr Tessari.
“So, it's a shame to see a building like this in that condition and to be able to bring it back to its grand old day will warm the hearts of us. Wonthaggites that walk past it every day,” he said.
Shire CEO Greg Box said after the meeting that the building would mainly have a community focus once restored, hosting consultation and other engagement events, while being available for other public purposes.
Built in 1911, the Old Post Office is a proud reminder of Wonthaggi’s early development and community spirit. It once served as the town’s communications hub — a place where telegrams were sent across Australia, messages arrived by Morse code and the telegraph connected local lives to the wider world.
“Wonthaggi’s Old Post Office holds a special place in our community’s collective memory,” said Cr Halstead.
“This refurbishment will protect its heritage and character while restoring its structure and integrity for future generations to enjoy.”
The refurbishment will include roof repairs, a new staircase, stormwater drainage upgrades, landscaping, paving, and internal works such as new flooring, ceiling, toilets, and upgraded building services.
Works are scheduled to begin in November 2025, with completion expected by September 2026.
As the building that once kept a young mining town connected to the world, the Old Post Office continues to stand as a symbol of endurance, connection, and pride in Wonthaggi’s rich history.
Little more than 12 months earlier, on the morning of February 23, 1910, Wonthaggi had answered Victoria’s state of emergency call for coal when a train arrived here for the first time, on newly constructed rails, and by afternoon, sent back the first 108 tons of coal to Melbourne by freight train to confirm the development of Wonthaggi as the town we have today.