CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF GLOBAL ADVENTURES

pacting our retail network, with continuing digitisation resulting in declining retail transactions at Post Offices. As flagged in our 2022 financial results, Australia Post will report a full-year loss this year for the first time since 2015."

Whilst Australia Post is focusing on streamlining its product portfolio, making them easier to do business with and continuing to be a leader in sustainability, Mr Graham concluded that further changes to the way they operate were necessary.

Australia Post Performance

Half Year to 31 Dec 2022

Group revenue $4.69 billion, down 2.4 per cent on same period last year (1H22)

Group profit before tax $23.6 million, down 88.2 per cent from $199.8 million in 1H22

Letters revenue $881.9 million, down 5.7 per cent on prior corresponding period

Letters losses increased to $189.7 million, an increase of 171.5 per cent from 1H22

Parcels and Services revenue $3.80 billion, down 1.6 per cent on first half last year

Invested $208.2 million into the business, including in new parcel facilities, fleet and technology

KAY SAVAGE

BOLTON Clarke Inverpine residential aged care resident Priscilla (Ruth) Chamier has recently celebrated her 100th birthday. She attributes her long life and good health to a simple habit: never drinking alcohol. Ruth was showered with gifts and surrounded by friends and family on her special day. Still, one particular gift brought back a flood of memories from her childhood spent in India: a Bolton Clarke Centenarian Club China teacup.

Ruth was born in Rawalpindi, India, where her father served in the British Army. She spent her childhood attending boarding schools in the mountains, where she made memories that have stayed with her for nearly a century. One of her fondest memories is of the chaiwala, a tea vendor who would run up and down the train station serving tea to passengers as they disembarked from the train. The teacup she received as a birthday gift brought back memories of those train journeys and the warm, comforting tea that accompanied them.

Ruth's life has been full of global adventures, from fishing trips with her family in Lahore to moving back and forth between India and Australia during school holidays. But after marrying at 19 and having four children, she settled in Australia for good. She lived in Inverpine's co-located retirement village for over two decades before moving into the residential aged care home. When asked for her advice on living a long and happy life, Ruth had a simple answer: be happy and content with what you have. Her teacup, a tangible reminder of her childhood and the simple pleasures in life, is a fitting symbol of her philosophy. Ruth's life serves as a reminder that the little things make a big difference in the quality of our lives. While Ruth's travels and experiences were certainly exciting, it's the small, simple moments that have stayed with her throughout her long life. It's a valuable lesson for all of us, especially as we navigate the stresses and uncertainties of modern life. Sometimes, all it takes is a warm cup of tea to remind us to slow down and appreciate the things that truly matter.