Mr De Carvalho, a well-known former real estate agent and sporting identity, spent 28 harrowing seconds lying in the corner of Merewether Post Office, in the NSW Hunter Valley, after being thrown across the room while his attacker screamed at two attendants.

The attack became so violent the offender smashed two large holes in the perspex counter as he slammed down his pistol while yelling his demands.

Mr De Carvalho, who turns 83 later this month, said the attack was horrifying and caught him by surprise.

"He got me from behind and gave me this fairly solid hurl and before I knew it I was 15 feet across the other side of the shop with my nose on the floor," he said yesterday.

"He was very quick and he was very strong to be able to pick me up and toss me into the corner.

"I didn't even have a chance to brace myself."

Mr De Carvalho said he suffered bruising and was only "starting to feel myself" yesterday, following the May 8 robbery.

The attack angered detectives, who released footage yesterday in the hope someone could identify the cowardly robber and turn him into police.

Detective Senior Constable Greg Price, of Newcastle police, said it was "completely unacceptable" that elderly people were being targeted during such violent crimes.

"The footage doesn't lie; here is an 82-year-old man going about his business and this happens to him," Detective Senior Constable Price said.

"It shows the offender has a total disregard for anyone else; it is a despicable act of someone who has no respect."

The footage shows Mr De Carvalho entering the Llewellyn Street business about 3.50pm with the bandit following within seconds.

After pulling out a handgun and pointing it towards his victims, the bandit grabs Mr De Carvalho who was standing at the counter by the collar and throws him across the room.

"Luckily as I had my nose on the floor he turned his attention away from me," Mr De Carvalho said.

The bandit points the gun at two employees then slams the weapon onto the counter, before running from the shop just 28 seconds after entering.

He was last seen getting into an early model white car, possibly a Ford Laser, in Dent Street. The driver sped away and turned into Berner Street towards Glebe Road.

"I have never been involved in anything like this before; I haven't made a career out of it," Mr De Carvalho said.

"When he left it took me a while to get myself together again."

He said he found it difficult to get up.

Information should be forwarded to Newcastle detectives on 4929 0999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.