The postbox preserver: one man’s mission to revive Melbourne’s forgotten pillar boxes

For most Melburnians, the city’s cast-iron, Victorian-era pillar boxes blend quietly into the urban backdrop – unnoticed relics of another century.

But for Michael Slocum OAM, they’ve become something more: a labour of love and a mission to preserve a piece of the city’s heritage.

In just two years, Michael has restored 62 of these historic red and gold post boxes, a journey that began unexpectedly when he spotted one covered in graffiti near his home.

“I was having a bit of an anti-graffiti crusade at the time,” he said.

“I thought, I’m going to go and clean that off. So, I went home and got some solvent, and a light bulb went on over my head – I think I’ll just keep going.”

Encouraged by the result, Michael shared photos of his handiwork with his local postmaster, not expecting what came next.

“Ten minutes after [she] loaded them up [on Facebook], the general manager of Postboxes Australia-wide rang up and said, ‘I want to see more photos’,” Michael told Inner City News.

“A week later, Australia Post said, ‘Here's a list of 180 of them – we’ll pay you per box.’”

These pillar boxes first appeared on Melbourne streets in the 1850s, originally painted green.

By the 1880s, they had been transformed into the distinctive red and gold that still proudly stands today – now carefully preserved thanks to Michael’s efforts.

Forged in local foundries in West Melbourne and Prahran, they are a surviving link to the city’s Victorian past.

“They haven’t undertaken any real restorations since they were put into the ground well over 120 years ago,” Michael said.

“But now, they’ll last forever.”

His process is detailed and hands-on – scraping off layers of paint down to bare metal, carefully restoring each box to its original splendour.

Michael’s work now spans the state – from Castlemaine to Ballarat – and he's currently restoring a box on Victoria Parade.

“People are always walking past and asking questions – it’s the best part,” he said.

While Michael was recently awarded a National Trust heritage award for his efforts, it’s not the accolades or the recognition that keeps him motivated.

“It keeps your mind active, and it’s really important to maintain our heritage,” he said.

“A friend said they look like long-forgotten war veterans basking in the happy glow of a new dignity.”

And thanks to Michael, these veterans of the streets are standing tall once again. •