General News
20 April, 2026
Donut towns ‘reflect generosity’
THE 3551 postcode has just one official Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday appeal area manager.
THE 3551 postcode has just one official Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday appeal area manager.
With that manager in Tarnagulla, all donations to this year’s appeal from towns and Bendigo suburbs in 3551 were credited to the town with a population of 300 people.
The town’s official appeal total was more than $46,000.
Appeal spokesperson Alyssa Allen said all donations and fundraising from the communities sharing the 3551 postcode were in the total.
“Whether they donated, bought a raffle ticket, or supported a fundraiser, the generosity from Tarnagulla and towns in the greater Bendigo area is reflected in this incredible total,” she said.
The “donut postcode” includes Maiden Gully, Epsom, Huntly and Strathfieldsaye. Loddon Shire’s Tarnagulla Ward councillor Nick Angelo last week suggested there should be a review of towns in the 3551 postcode.
An Australia Post spokesperson told the Loddon Herald: “Our postcode system helps Australia Post deliver mail efficiently across the country.
“Each postcode incorporates one or more towns, suburbs or locations, with boundaries aligning to official localities determined by local shires or councils.
Changes to postcodes are rare and only considered when there is a clear benefit to delivery efficiency and the way households receive mail and parcels.”
The postal business website says: “The relevant state and local government authorities ... are responsible for locality naming and determining boundary extent. Contact your local council or shire if you have any concerns about your assigned locality.”
Tarnagulla and Newbridge have been included in 3551 since postcodes were introduced in 1967.
Read More: Tarnagulla