If you’ve ever found yourself peering out the window, waiting for a parcel that never seems to arrive—or worse, received one of those dreaded ‘Sorry we missed you!’ cards when you were home the whole time—you’re not alone.
For many Australians, especially those who rely on home deliveries for everything from birthday gifts to essential medications, missed deliveries and mysterious parcel disappearances are a source of endless frustration.
But there’s good news on the horizon: Australia Post is rolling out a new feature in its MyPost app that promises to improve parcel deliveries by introducing a little more transparency—and a lot less stress.
Starting 19 May, Australia Post customers can see photos of attempted deliveries directly on the MyPost app.
If a delivery driver tries to deliver your parcel and you’re not home, you’ll receive an image showing exactly where they tried to deliver it. No more wondering if they knocked, if your parcel was left in a safe place, or, as sometimes happens, if it was nowhere to be found.
To receive these photos, your parcel must be matched to your MyPost account via your email address or mobile phone number. So, if you haven’t already, it’s worth ensuring your details are updated in the app.
The process is simple and designed to keep you in the loop:
- Knock, knock: Posties and drivers must still knock three times before leaving a parcel or card.
- Photo evidence: If they attempt delivery and you’re not home, they’ll take a photo of the front door or where the parcel is left in a safe place.
- Notifications: You’ll receive the usual notification that delivery couldn’t be completed, followed by an update when your parcel is ready for collection, or, if it’s been left somewhere safe, a photo to help you find it.
- Hazard alerts: If the delivery team spots a hazard (like a loose step or a territorial magpie), they may also take a photo to flag it for future deliveries.
Privacy matters: How your information is protected
Understandably, some people may have privacy concerns. Australia Post has put strict guidelines in place to protect your personal information:
- No people or vehicles: Delivery drivers are instructed not to photograph any people, vehicles, identifying text, or the inside of your home through windows.
- No personal circumstances: They must avoid capturing any personal circumstances visible from the front door.
- Photo storage: Photos are available in the app for 90 days, then archived and deleted after three years.
If you’d prefer not to have any photos taken at your address, you can opt out by visiting their website or contacting Australia Post’s Customer Service team on 13 76 78.
What’s your experience been with Australia Post deliveries? Do you think the new photo feature will help solve some common delivery headaches? Have you had any memorable delivery mishaps or clever solutions? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
Also read: Stamp hike looms as falling revenue pressures Australia Post
