The quiet hamlet of Taradale is once again abuzz with life following the recent reopening of the town’s service station and post office.
Community members were forced to travel out of town for their fuel and postal needs when the former business closed almost two years ago.
The new Metro service station opened to the public on June 26 and the Australia Post outlet housed within the facility was officially launched on July 2.
Business proprietor Deepak Raghvani said the former site was purchased by a private buyer and had been subject to a major upgrade by the petroleum retailer in preparation for the opening.
The revamp, which has been watched with great anticipation by the community, includes new tanks, petrol pumps and concreting, while the former service station building also received a spruce up.
Mr Raghvani said they aimed to provide the community with all the essentials they needed and the response they had received had been amazing.
“I really didn’t expect this sort of response this quickly, we have a lot of people coming in off the freeway and the locals love it. The feedback about the renovations and what we have to offer is great, they feel life has returned to the town.”
Mr Raghvani said Australia Post approached Metro about taking on the service for the community and they were happy to support them.
The service station is open from 7am to 7pm seven days, while the Australia Post outlet is open 9am to 5pm weekdays and 9am to 1pm Saturday.
“Of course residents can collect their mail anytime during business hours.”
Taradale resident Donna Fearne said community members were delighted to see the service station reopen and their post office reinstated.
“I think it’s fantastic. It’s great to see them investing in our community,” she said.
“It’s just so handy. My kids can ride down on the weekend and collect the paper. I’ve just done my banking here which saved me a trip to Castlemaine or Kyneton!” she said.
Ms Fearne said Elphinstone Post Office had been amazing to community members in the interim.
“We would like to thank them for their support over the last two years,” she said.