Gisborne Post Office manager Joe Vella is a familiar face locally, but he may also be recognised if he were to travel to different parts of the country.
Joe featured in Australia Post’s latest advertising campaign promoting customers’ ability to bank at their local post office, yet it’s not his first foray in front of the camera; he was previously on Channel Nine’s The Block a couple of times as the show’s local postman.
“I wasn’t nervous for the ad. I was very nervous for The Block. There’s no cuts, I wasn’t briefed, it was a matter of just do it,” he said.
“The contestants had no idea who I was. They thought I was fake. But no, I’m a real postman.”
Joe was chosen for both appearances for his commitment to the community – whether it was personally delivering packages during the pandemic to a 90-year-old man, or spending his weekends volunteering with the Lancefield Romsey Lions Club. He’s also a long-time member of the Gisborne Football Netball Club, but curses the Lord when questioned about playing sport.
“Oh god no, I don’t play. I just support them and get a membership to help out.”
Joe was also the recipient of Australia Post’s ‘Everyone Matters’ award in 2019 for ‘putting people first’. He said these values were obtained in childhood.
“I’ve been brought up to always respect people and help.”
He started with the Post during high school when he completed work experience at the old Gisborne branch in Aitken Street. He reached 36 years with the organisation two weeks ago and has no plans of slowing down.
“You don’t even get 36 years for murder, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” he joked.
“I’ve got no plans to leave here unless they get rid of me.”
