General News
11 September, 2023
Patels make Carisbrook Post Office home
After being run by locals Glenn and Sharyn Patterson for 16 years, the Carisbrook Post Office is ready to deliver its next chapter with new owners behind the counter. As of last week, Jignesh and Monika Patel have officially taken over the town’s...
After being run by locals Glenn and Sharyn Patterson for 16 years, the Carisbrook Post Office is ready to deliver its next chapter with new owners behind the counter.
As of last week, Jignesh and Monika Patel have officially taken over the town’s Australia Post facility — a move which the couple hopes will cement their future in the area.
Motivated to find a business they could turn into a family venture, the pair, based previously in Melbourne, began looking at opportunities in regional Victoria.
“Originally, both of us are from the countryside in our home country, India, and we wanted something similar so Carisbrook turned out to be the perfect place for us,” Jignesh said.
“It’s not far from Maryborough and even the bigger cities like Bendigo and Ballarat are close by.
“We wanted something that we could manage with our family — now we can spend time together as a family and work as well.”
Having been in the community for only a week, Jignesh said that the residents have welcomed the family with open arms.
“Everyone is really supportive and friendly,” he said.
“I have also realised that people here are very patient and calm. If you’re struggling with something or if you’re taking a bit longer, they’re very understanding and they are happy to wait.
“People have started calling us by our names as well, they remember it and that simple act brings a smile on my face because we’ve just moved.”
Along with their two children , a son who is in the first grade and a one-year-old daughter, the couple have truly made themselves home in a short period of time.
“We didn’t know anything about the countryside in Australia and the people here so we weren’t sure what to expect,” Monika said.
“Initially before we moved we thought that it would take us a long time to settle down but surprisingly because everyone is so helpful the whole process has been great.
“We’re pretty happy and we don’t miss Melbourne anymore.”
Part of that support also comes from the post office’s previous owner, Glenn, who has continued to stay on for a couple of weeks to help the couple get a hang of things.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling, but it’s time as well to move on to a different part of our lives,” Glenn said.
“I wish Jignesh and Monika well and I think they’re a great family. The community has already really warmed up to them.
“They’ll be a great asset to the town.”