Regular customer Karen Thornton said given the post office’s licensees Deb and Ian Alker’s “friendly and efficient” attitude, the award comes as no surprise.

The town’s tiny shop has also taken first place across the state, the ACT and the rural south region.

“The award is good for the town this year, it’s good for people to have something to be proud of,” Ms Alker said.

“We want to thank the community for all their support.

“It is a hard time for local businesses, many of them are having to close, and winter can be a very tough time.”

The award for excellence in customer service, operations, and contributions to the local community comes after finishing second to Sydney’s Windsor South in 2017.

“Deb is a good girl, she’s fantastic, she really looks after you,” customer and Kalaru resident Rhonda McGregor said.

For many residents, like Ms Thornton and Ms McGregor, the shop is more than just a post office.

Since the March bushfire staff have helped countless residents with photocopying, scanning, emailing and faxing, as they complete paperwork to begin rebuilding their lives.

“We do it all. You bring your washing in and we’ll do it,” Ms Alker said with a laugh.

“We have been faxing all day because people don’t have fax machines at home anymore because they were told nobody uses them anymore, but it’s been important for paperwork after the bushfire.”

Australia Post’s state manager, Christine Walker, said Tathra is a deserving winner.

“Post offices play such an important role in our communities, providing our customers with ease, choice and convenience in accessing important services,” Ms Walker said.

“It’s only fitting that we recognise and celebrate the wonderful service they continue to provide their customers every day, and the Tathra Post Office has been at the heart of the local community.”