THE destruction of the historic Wilmot store by fire early this morning is a tragedy for the community, says Lyons Liberal MHR Eric Hutchinson.
“The Wilmot general store and post office is an important community meeting place as well as being an historic landmark in the town,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.
The store, which was destroyed by a fire about 5am, was operated by the supermarket giant Coles family from 1910 to 1921 as Australia’s first permanent Coles retail store.
It was the forebear of the national retailer’s Coles-Myer chain.
Mr Hutchinson said that he and the federal government would work with the local community to ensure that the services provided by the store and post office are retained.
“Already this morning Australia Post has contacted my office to let people know that they will be at Wilmot next Tuesday to work on maintaining the postal service,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.
Mr Hutchinson is seeking clarification about how to maintain petrol services at Wilmot after the fire at the store where one of the few fuel outlets in the area was situated.
“It is one of the few fuel outlets in what is a relatively remote part of Tasmania,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.
“We are keen to hear from anyone in the local community who has ideas about how we can help.’’
Eric Hutchinson, Federal Member for Lyons
