Decades of service ended by dog attack on Northern Rivers’ postman Tom Harris

After five decades of delivering the post rain, hail or shine – Grafton postman Tom Harris is set to retire because of an injury from a dog attack. His final delivery is a message to dog owners.

Tom Harris, from Grafton, retires after 53 years and two months of service with Australia Post.

From misty mornings to rain soaked afternoons, a beloved Northern Rivers postman’s career has been full of heart and happiness.

That is until a “crazy” dog attack has pushed him to park his bike and deliver a new message: protect the real heroes behind the mail.

Tom Harris, 69, has worked for Australia Post for 53 years all across the Mid-North Coast and Northern Rivers — from Dorrigo to Grafton.

But his years of service have come to an abrupt end after a terrifying dog attack in Grafton.

Over the years the postie has endured “a lot of dog attacks” but nothing like the serious attack by “a big bastard” last October.

Tom Harris, from Grafton, on the job for the last time this week with Australia Post.

Now Mr Harris has shared his story to remind people of the dangers posties face.

“I just came down the road that day and knew the dog was out but I’d parked on the other side of the road,” he said.

Tommy, as he’s known, retires after 53 years and 2 months of dedication.

“And the next thing it’s got me by the foot and I was bloody petrified.

“I just dived on the ground and I thought ‘This is not good’.”

Mr Harris said the bikes had cameras and posties often discuss what else could have been done after an incident like this.

“But there’s nothing you could have done with this one, it was just crazy,” Mr Harris said.

The crew at Australia Post wished Tommy Harris well at a send off on Friday.

Despite the attack, which has left him unable to work, Mr Harris said he loved his job but won’t miss the early starts.

And as he hung up his postal bag for the last time he recalled days gone by.

“I’ve delivered to four generations in one family that all live within blocks of each other,” he said.

“It used to be people would wait for the postie and have a yarn and it’s different now because you don’t see many people these days.

“Everyone’s out working and the kids are in daycare.”

The well respected Mr Harris leaves behind a legacy of more than just letters and packages but one of kindness and connection that will be sorely missed.

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