Andrew Eagers: The postie who champions sustainability at work and in life

No matter the season, it’s always dark and quiet outside when Andrew Eagers leaves his home in Sydney, NSW for his delivery shift at Australia Post.

Clocking in at work when most of Australia is still in deep sleep isn’t for everyone but Andrew takes it in his stride.

“I love working at Australia Post,” he says. “I’ve been here 14 years now. One day I got a postcard in the mail saying, "Do you want to be a motorbike postie?" And I haven't looked back since.”

In 2019, Andrew and the rest of our motorbike posties were told that they would soon be delivering mail differently. Australia Post was rolling out its first fleet of three-wheel electric delivery vehicles or eDVs in a mission to reduce environmental impact and enhance driver safety.

Andrew remembers his first reaction being one of scepticism. “But once I realised how good they are for delivery and the environment, I was so glad to be part of the change.”

Going electric for the environment

Australia Post now has more than 5,000 two- and three-wheel eDVs buzzing around Australia. Our eDVs and electric bikes cover 15 million kilometres each year—that’s more than once around the earth every day–without using a drop of petrol.

The eDVs also make for quieter deliveries by reducing noise pollution. And while they’re slower than motorbikes, they can carry more post, which means less return trips to the depot. Each three-wheel eDV can carry 100 small parcels and up to 1,200 letters, helping reduce delivery times and fuel emissions.

“I really love the eDVs,” Andrew enthuses. “It definitely beats walking and I have so much more energy to enjoy time with the family after work.”

“Not having to make trips to depots is a huge advantage. And having a roof over my head from the rain and direct sunlight is great. I also love the conversations it sparks with my customers. They find the eDV fascinating and the kids absolutely love it!”

Today, Andrew has added a new role on top of being a postie – an eDV Adapt Coach.

The role involves taking new posties at the Alexandria parcel facility on the road in an eDV to teach them how to ride it safely. He also has regular chats with other longer-service posties about improving their safety on the eDVs.

Sustainability in work and life

After his delivery shift and before returning to his family, Andrew arms himself with a plastic bag and a grabbing tool and heads to Maroubra beach. There, he spends an hour picking up the rubbish caught in the sand, rocks and surrounding bushland.

“This is my local beach,” he says, “We usually come here with our baby daughter, Marlie, to hang out with friends on weekend mornings.”

“I’ve been doing clean-ups here for five years now. It’s honestly mind boggling how I can fill a medium-sized garbage bag every day in just an hour.”

“Sustainability to me is doing the little things for the environment and being mindful of my own actions every day. It puts a smile on my face knowing that what I’m doing will impact Marlie in the future.”