Historic York- ‘GATEWAY TO THE HEART OF WA’
Similar historic towns in Victoria,
Daylesford, and South Australia, Hahndorf, have clinically and unashamedly vigorously promoted the ethnicity and
old-world relationships of their pioneer past. Hahndorf is German, Daylesford
is Swiss-Italian and both have successfully used this as an integral part of
their tourism related, commercially attractive representative cultures and
cuisines now being themed in local Events.
Daylesford has also successfully embraced the ‘Rainbow Trail’ tourist ethos, promoting the largest festival celebrating the lives of those of us who are Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transsexual- outside of Sydney’s ‘Gay Mardi-Gras’. ‘The Chill-Out Festival’ and other events held their claim to raise an estimated $129 million in overall tourist related revenue per annum.
Should York decide to follow a similar path and same-sex marriage be legalized, which is highly likely, than York could become a center for Rainbow weddings, a potentially lucrative market.
To put Daylesford’s (and its close surrounds) financial return from tourism into perspective, it is $120 million more than the Shire of York raises in rates and receives in government grants per Financial Year.
The city of York, Pennsylvania, USA, promotes itself as an ‘Architectural Museum’, the first capital of the United States and the ‘White Rose City’ in recognition and deference to the House of York, UK, the Tudors, King Henry V111, and Queen Elizabeth 1.
York, USA, a new- world town assuming the name and historic identity of an old-world one, was established just 90 years prior to York, Western Australia. It still promotes a strong allegiance and affinity to the City of York and Yorkshire, UK, naming its baseball team the ‘York White Roses’ and its football team engages in the annual ‘War of the Roses’. This refers directly to the war fought in Yorkshire from 1455 to 1487 between the Houses of York and Lancaster.
Our York, the entire town-site, is an ‘Architectural Museum’ registered as an ‘historic town’, with the National Estate of the Commonwealth of Australia. It is the first inland town in Western Australia and therefore can claim to be the Capital of the Wheatbelt, the Swan River Colony’s first granary and the colony’s initial food bowl, self-sufficiency saviour.
Our York’s old-world ancestry is Roman, Saxon, Viking, Norman and finally Northern English with its potpourri of representative cultures and cuisine. It has just as strong a recourse to use its colonial link with York (UK) and Yorkshire as any town so named. (It is the only town with the name in Australia.)
The Shire of York Council has already been advised of this fundamental historic
and colonial identifiable relationship and what possible advantage it could be
if promoted judiciously.
This could include the symbolic use of white and red roses as an emblematic promotional resource as the ‘York Shire Historic Rose Town’ directly relating to a 500-year-old historic event which led to England (and our antecedents) becoming the most powerful nation and empire on earth for another 400 years.
The Shire of York Council has been reminded that the City of York (UK) is aware of our community. Its’ Mayor and Aldermen were presented with, and gratefully accepted, an Indigenous painting by local artist, Merle Narkle during our 175th Anniversary Celebrations in 2006 and this event was published in The Yorkshire Post, one of the largest circulation newspapers in the UK outside of Fleet Street’s London tabloids.
This could include the symbolic use of white and red roses as an emblematic promotional resource as the ‘York Shire Historic Rose Town’ directly relating to a 500-year-old historic event which led to England (and our antecedents) becoming the most powerful nation and empire on earth for another 400 years.
The Shire of York Council has been reminded that the City of York (UK) is aware of our community. Its’ Mayor and Aldermen were presented with, and gratefully accepted, an Indigenous painting by local artist, Merle Narkle during our 175th Anniversary Celebrations in 2006 and this event was published in The Yorkshire Post, one of the largest circulation newspapers in the UK outside of Fleet Street’s London tabloids.
gunpowder, treason and plot
I see no reason that gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot”
Up until the late 1970’s, these were the lyrics on every Australian child’s lips prior to ‘Bonfire Night’ or ‘ Guy Fawkes Night’ being celebrated. Guy Fawkes was a Yorkshireman who plotted to blow up the English Houses of Parliament in 1605. His un-fulfilled act of anarchy was celebrated throughout Australia for nearly 200 years.
The reasons for the banning of this extremely popular event were because of the risk of injury and fire damage, nothing more.
It should be remembered that modern lighting techniques can now be used to remove all risks as being a simulated pyrotechnics display and the stylized facemask of Guy Fawkes is recognized throughout the world as the international symbol and ‘anonymous face’ of those who are against many forms of government secrecy and political hypocrisy (a potential celebration in itself.)
I see no reason that gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot”
Up until the late 1970’s, these were the lyrics on every Australian child’s lips prior to ‘Bonfire Night’ or ‘ Guy Fawkes Night’ being celebrated. Guy Fawkes was a Yorkshireman who plotted to blow up the English Houses of Parliament in 1605. His un-fulfilled act of anarchy was celebrated throughout Australia for nearly 200 years.
The reasons for the banning of this extremely popular event were because of the risk of injury and fire damage, nothing more.
It should be remembered that modern lighting techniques can now be used to remove all risks as being a simulated pyrotechnics display and the stylized facemask of Guy Fawkes is recognized throughout the world as the international symbol and ‘anonymous face’ of those who are against many forms of government secrecy and political hypocrisy (a potential celebration in itself.)
Those from Yorkshire with direct
links to Australia are Captain James Cook and Amy Johnson, the world famous aviatrix, who was the first woman to fly solo between England
and Australia.
Ragnar Lothbrok and his son Ivor the Boneless, now immortalized in the epic, historic television series ‘Vikings’ are an integral part of the history of York (UK).
Yorkshires’ Bronte Sisters are the most celebrated female siblings in the history of English literature.
Ragnar Lothbrok and his son Ivor the Boneless, now immortalized in the epic, historic television series ‘Vikings’ are an integral part of the history of York (UK).
Yorkshires’ Bronte Sisters are the most celebrated female siblings in the history of English literature.
Under the right circumstances Events
can be created from Legends and seized opportunities.
Therefore the Shire of York Council has been made aware that the WA Museum is closing for four years. Regional display sites are being used in Kalgoorlie, Albany and Geraldton, but apparently nowhere in the Wheatbelt for WA Museum exhibits.
The museum claims it will work with a range of partners on a number of projects to keep its exhibits open to the public.
The Wheabelt is just as historically important to West Australians’ as any other part of this state and any related WA Museum exhibits should be displayed in the first inland and Wheatbelt town, ‘York’ for the next four years. (It is also the home of Australia’s most historic inland racetrack.)
It has been suggested to Council that unused sections of the YRCC, in particular the convention center area, and possibly the Old convent School (after restoration), could be used to house the WA Museums’ Wheatbelt historic memorabilia displays concerning agriculture, culture (both European and Indigenous) early horse racing and any other relevant exhibits.
Public viewing of these displays would require the payment of an entry fee thereby raising revenue for the upkeep of these commercially non-viable Council assets.
There is an ominous feeling that hidden away amid the Annual Budget is the fact that the Shire of York is in an extremely difficult financial situation with, in real terms, a debt greater than it has faced in the last 145 years since it was established in 1871. This will require an enormous amount of community resilience and co-operative commitment needing a positive response from every member of the community to overcome.
Over the past six years, the Shire of York appears to have spent less than 1% of its annual revenue receipts on directly promoting York for anything-to-anyone.
At this stage it is unlikely that the Shire will be able to assist any project in any way other than by negotiation with relevant government agencies asking for support. This is not the fault of the current Council and CEO.
It is hoped that any financial crisis and any fear of failure does not outweigh York’s ability to proceed to succeed.
David Taylor.
Therefore the Shire of York Council has been made aware that the WA Museum is closing for four years. Regional display sites are being used in Kalgoorlie, Albany and Geraldton, but apparently nowhere in the Wheatbelt for WA Museum exhibits.
The museum claims it will work with a range of partners on a number of projects to keep its exhibits open to the public.
The Wheabelt is just as historically important to West Australians’ as any other part of this state and any related WA Museum exhibits should be displayed in the first inland and Wheatbelt town, ‘York’ for the next four years. (It is also the home of Australia’s most historic inland racetrack.)
It has been suggested to Council that unused sections of the YRCC, in particular the convention center area, and possibly the Old convent School (after restoration), could be used to house the WA Museums’ Wheatbelt historic memorabilia displays concerning agriculture, culture (both European and Indigenous) early horse racing and any other relevant exhibits.
Public viewing of these displays would require the payment of an entry fee thereby raising revenue for the upkeep of these commercially non-viable Council assets.
There is an ominous feeling that hidden away amid the Annual Budget is the fact that the Shire of York is in an extremely difficult financial situation with, in real terms, a debt greater than it has faced in the last 145 years since it was established in 1871. This will require an enormous amount of community resilience and co-operative commitment needing a positive response from every member of the community to overcome.
Over the past six years, the Shire of York appears to have spent less than 1% of its annual revenue receipts on directly promoting York for anything-to-anyone.
At this stage it is unlikely that the Shire will be able to assist any project in any way other than by negotiation with relevant government agencies asking for support. This is not the fault of the current Council and CEO.
It is hoped that any financial crisis and any fear of failure does not outweigh York’s ability to proceed to succeed.
David Taylor.
I recall David Wallace recently making a statement we are not in debt. I suppose the Finance officer told him that.
ReplyDeleteMajority of rational people in York realised the cost to the community of the YRCC is a million plus $ sink hole that we simply cannot afford.
There needs to be an independent review of what the complex cost, costs to run, whether the building meets Australian standards throughout and whether the clubs who forced us into this mess should take over the debt.
If rumours are true that financial records for the building/contractors/deals are not able to be found, those responsible for the records of OUR money should be kicked out the door.
This complex is a perfect example of unqualified people being involved in planning something they know nothing about. Ray Hooper and his merry band of Staff and councillors Boyle, Lawrence, Scott, Hooper, Fisher, and Duperouzel refused to listen to the people of York.
I admire Mr. Martin for stepping forward to take control of the horrendous mess left by Ray Hooper, his incompetent staff and years of irresponsible councillors who thought it was their right to spend, jaunt and booze at our expense.
Its a shame they banned rockets, I would liked to have stuffed one up the SP's a**e!
ReplyDeleteWe could polish up what we've got,our heritage buildings and surroundings, the river foreshore at Avon Park, Mt. Brown lookout, the Shire of York website, coming event and welcome to York signage. Throw in something to showcase our agricultural significance and maybe an impressive feng shui garden or similar to attract extra Asian tourism and sway those to stay a night or two. Offer incentive and support to cottage industry and alike as well as focus on special events in and around the town. We could achieve a lot even by looking at and possibly working with those closer to home.
ReplyDeleteJunior, you're wearing those rose tinted spectacles again, the Shire has these think-tank sessions every 4-5 years, they call it "strategic review". They only do this because they are legally obliged to , not because they want to. After reading the latest agenda, this latest bout of submissions has attracted 14 submissions, yes as many as that - approximately 1 per 200 electors. Why so few?...Because people see right through it, a superficial burden, a process gone through many times with no benefit other than allowing the admin to cross the T's and dot the I's.
ReplyDeleteHave you smelt the river bank lately, it smells like shit.
"Polish up the heritage buildings", what with, Mr Sheen, that's all we can afford after paying for the Wreck centre and Chalkies.
"Showcase our agricultural significance", like with a statue of Boyle or Marwick?
"Feng shui garden", now I'm rolling on the floor PMSL.
"Offer incentive and support to cottage industry", what incentive, money, buildings, free coffee?
The Shire is totally incapable of looking after 'our' assets, what makes anyone think a corporation trading on government handouts, incapable of accounting for its expended funds is able to manage economic growth and acting in the best interest of business?
Paul Martin is being portrayed as some sort of messiah, a demigod, someone who's going to 'mend York'. I know Paul from Port Hedland and unless he's acquired some ability to work magic this town will never move ahead.
Every 10 -15 years its boom to bust, this does nothing to attract investment, those people who do chance it and invest in York are managed out.
A strong business community threatens the power base of the Council, I remember when Marwick was SP, nothing happened unless he gave the nod, whether he gave the nod depended on whether or not he liked a person and/or there was some personal indirect/direct gain.
York is a risky business!
Have to agree with you Anonymous 25 June 2016 at 13:43, York is a very peculiar town, not as open to outsiders as the powers that be portray. Definitely who you know and not what you know, the Hockey Club is a perfect example of this within the sporting fraternity, and the York Palace Hotel in the business sector. Some businesses like those owned by the Saints have been subject to unimaginable levels of torment. Others have to jump though all the hoops while similar business are allowed to sail through the planning /compliance processes.
DeleteSo I would have to agree, York is a risky business.
It's the people who have bubbled to the top of the groups and council who are peculiar.
DeleteMany of my friends in York share my bewilderment at the lack of acceptance of people who offer their time and expertise.
Having been a hard working community volunteer in Perth for twenty years, I was shocked when I moved here and found out just how closed groups and committees were. And still are.
Outsiders are not welcome to join anything in York unless their face fits, their wallets are open displaying their wealth and they follow the sheep in charge.
When I first came to live in York, I volunteered make (at my cost) sandwiches and drive refreshments out to the Volunteer Fire fighters when they were fighting a particularly large fire. I was quite rudely told - no we don't need your help or your sandwiches. From that point on they lost a lucrative yearly $ donation from me.
When I lived in the Perth Hills, my offer to provide this same service was accepted gratefully and in fact was relied upon to some degree, so I was left bewildered by the rude reaction of the female who answered the phone at the York Volunteer Firefighter headquarters.
I then discovered the Ag. Society appears to be controlled by one family (the Gentles) and they made it abundantly clear they don't want outsiders to help with the Show and they hand pick those they want. I attempted to volunteer for the York Society but found many of them to be the rudest arrogant people I have come across.
I witnessed first hand the horrendous torment metered out to the Saints while other businesses had rules and regulations wavered by their senior staff mates within the administration and condoned openly by other mates on council.
Three Brothers26 June 2016 at 15:42 - I agree we have an excellent CEO.
I cannot agree we have full council who care. Several are there to feed their ego and at least one is there as a stooge for Pat Hooper.
I attended the think tank session purely out of respect for the incoming CEO, Cr. Saint and Walters. I will give them all the support I can in the hope the number of honest open and accountable councillors will increase over time to make the CEO's job a little easier.
It is going to take time, probably a few elections. I believe the CEO can turn our Town around and I hope Cr. Saint and Walters will ride out things out until they can be joined by fellow minded caring people.
I am sick of the term moving forward used by Wallace. Until he finds the courage to address the legacies of heartbreak and financial ruin metered out by his mates Boyle, Hooper, Lawrence, Smythe and Randell - yes they were both involved - there is no way forward.
Anonymous 26 June 2016 at 23:09. I stand corrected. What I should have said is that part of our Council really cares.
DeleteAnonymous 26 June 2016 at 23:09. What a terrible shame you've had such a aweful experience volunteering. Did you know Volunteering WA opened this year in Northam. They have volunteer jobs all around Valley. Give them a call. I'm sure they'll find you something rewarding. There are many groups looking for vollies. They found me a position which suits me perfectly.
DeleteAnonymous 25th June 4.50
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned "The Shire has these think-tank sessions every 4-5 years, they call it "strategic review". They only do this because they are legally obliged to." That is true of past councils and has been painfully obvious.
I think youre wrong about the curent council though. For the first time in nearly two decades I beleive we have a Council and CEO who really care.
You say the Strategic Review only attracted 14 submissions, yes as many as that - approximately 1 per 200 electors. Why so few?...Because people see right through it, a superficial burden, a process gone through many times with no benefit other than allowing the admin to cross the T's and dot the I's."
Perhaps instead its because people had already contributed by way of workshops. They were heard and the published document open for comment already reflected the views of many who contributed.
The council was made aware at these workshops for example the communities strong desire the clean up Avon River and this has been mentioned in the plan.
There is mention of an Economic development strategy something we've not had for a very long time.
I beleive also, this council and CEO is fully aware of the inequity shown with reference to development applications and the like and is demonstrating that nepotism and cronyism is no longer acceptable.
Give them a chance. They have inherited a stack of problems. It took them months just to get all the policies in place that had been ignored for years.
As David Taylor said its going to take a lot of help from the community if we are to flourish. We need to think future not past.
Three Brothers it’s all very well to repeat words and state that we must move forward and forget the past. The future is always built on the past and until we fully accept the mistakes of the past without the cloak of secrecy, there is no moving forward.
DeleteSome but not all of the Councillors and Staff responsible for the inherited problems have gone without a trace of any accountability for their actions or apologies for their disastrous mistakes. They walk amongst decent people unscathed, staff have actually had their pockets filled when in truth they should have been sacked for their actions.
What next – well let’s just sit here and watch as we see money being thrown at the ‘quick fix’ the new CEO and Council have to offer. Look at the latest agenda, a few prime tourism events at our expense to give the impression we are a festival town and to line the pockets of a few private enterprises doesn’t put my house value up. There has been no money put aside to maintain the town and its buildings for years, York is an historic town and under normal circumstance this alone should encourage tourists to visit on a regular basis. Throwing money into the local economy at the expense of the ratepayers just to ensure that a few local businesses succeed three times a year because of the occasional festival isn’t a long term fix. What about the other 49 weeks of the year?
I have lived here for many years now having seen and heard it all before. Of course, I was happy when we had the festivals and they were free events for the community but I didn’t decide to move to York because of them. I came to York for its history and heritage and because of its simplicity at the time.
I am sick of hearing – ‘when we had this and when we had that’ and ‘this is how it used to be’. Well it’s not like that now and it probably never will be again because of the greed and poor management we have witnesses by incompetent Councillors and staff.
Yes Anonymous 26 June 2016 at 19:43, "The future is always built on the past" which makes the shires website slogan -"Building on Our History to Create Our Future" f*****g worrying.
DeleteAnonymous ooo26 June 2016 at 21:25 - Cannot agree with you more.
DeleteThere's historical Town History and there's historical Management history. The second almost completely destroyed the first thanks to a hand full of psychopaths.
As things went from pear shape to complete bloody disaster under the so called leadership of Boyle and Hooper who, hand in hand with CEO Hooper, made absolutely sure the Shire's slogan became a living nightmare for many.
I did not suggest forgetting the past and definately agree those responsible should be held accountable. But we cannot just sit on our hands waiting for that to happen.
ReplyDeleteFestivals most definately benefit local business, some of which are not as deserving as others. But if there is not a strong local business industry and something for visitors to do York will continue on a downward slide. We have an ageing population and need to attract 30-45 yr olds and their investment both industry and residents.
The other 49 weeks of the year can be filled with new ideas. Do you have any?
I commend those peple who have agreed to put on a prime tourism event. Its a lot of work just to run a small locas event so can only imagine how much wk these folks put in, how much money of their own they risk and their uncertainty considering the past. Its a small step in the right direction and I commend the Council and CEO for it.
What about having a beast on the spit, nothing but the Best
DeleteDoubt there would be much substance in the beast. The risk of food poisoning would be too high.
ReplyDeleteThe YRCC is not the black hole causing the Shire of York's debt. The debt has been building for years, but the community is so focussed on the YRCC that it is not seeing where all the other unbudgeted expenses are. Both management and former Council / President and current Council / President have approved unbudgeted expenses. The former President set himself up a rather nice office at ratepayer expense, unbudgeted. Look at all the legal costs spent on SAT defences due to planning and dog issues. Keep looking deeper over the past few years and even this financial year people. Unwarranted, unbudgeted expenses. Who writes the budget each year?
ReplyDeleteWannabee hero's write up the budget, they are ill informed due to their arrogance.
DeleteFor those who don't know how to find these unbudgeted expenses you mention, can you enlighten us a little please.
ReplyDeleteI thought the previous S.President used his own business office so he could meet with residents without the big ears in the office overhearing what was being discussed.
No, he had a special new office, fully equipped set up in the Town Hall, new air conditioning, furniture, the whole lot.
DeleteAnonymous 30 June 2016 at 16:22 that's absolute rubbish
DeleteAltruist 1 July 2016 at 04:13 no it is not absolute rubbish, he had exactly that, I know because I saw it! Not sure if it is still set up the same now though?
Delete4 July 2016 at 08:23 I don't know what you're on about. It has the same old historical furniture albeit now it has an aircon. I met with MR several times and each time was in his businss office in his own time at his own expense.
DeleteMichael keeble identified a 750 thousand dollar per annum black hole. Ray hooper had blown up his staff numbers to justify his huge salary. The excess staff were being hired out to other councils to justify their existence but the shortfall was huge.
ReplyDeleteTime the facts were presented, the current president has morphed into another Tony Boyle and is now just a puppet with zero guts or integrity.
Building $183.521.00
DeletePlanning $193.579.00
Health $189.958.00
Rangers $148.973.00
Total $716.031.00
Follow on from Anonymous29 June 2016 at 17:22.
ReplyDeletePerhaps readers will now realise people like Saints, Darlene and others targeted were trying to warn the Town and you all stood by with your heads in the biggest buckets of bull shit councillors and senior staff fed you.
Keebles figures show how incompetent Boyle, Hooper, Lawrence, Fisher, Duperouzel, Scott, Randell and Smythe were. These people put themselves up as knowledgable sound business heads when in reality they could't add up the money in a kids piggy bank.
Councillors and staff who thought Ray Hooper was good for this town should be ashamed of themselves. Reality is, he didn't give a shit about anyone but himself.
Time the Shire President and Councillors voted 7/0 for an independent forensic audit.
Lets get it all out in the open. No more cover ups.
Whats the point into another investigation really?
ReplyDeleteWe know they cocked it all up, that we have too much debt etc. It will only cost more money to tell us what we already know. As well, it will detract the CEOs time and resources which need to be used to start improving things.
The lawyers and insurers will only have every finding muted anyway.
Let's just assume we're not in a great financial position and support the current CEO and Council to get York back on track asap. No more time wasted on things we have no control to change
I cannot believe the head in the sand attitude you have anonumous 15.49.
DeleteHere are two good reasons to have an investigation:
1: the people who "cocked up" were being paid top dollar to do so, then because the cover up mentality persisted after ray hooper bailed allowing his hand picked vermin to remain in power for two more years and then secure handsome payouts at our expense. A proper investigstion will identify any criminal activity and give this community a chance to regain the money handed out to the very people who destroyed this community.
2: if the current council and ceo decide to take your advice and sweep it all under the table they will be starting another round of trouble because those community members targeted and damaged by the past administration will no longer wait patiently for justice to prevail. Our new ceo and the current president will find themselves knee deep in legal battles because crimes were committed and those victims are yet to see a moment of justice. The FGR is still under wraps and will eventually rise to the surface.
Time for justice not weak pizzled cover ups.
I think the public would be interested in having an independent audit into the YRCC, it would be an interesting exercise into how LG manages loans, grants and reserve funds, even more interesting would be the construction of the dream, and the icing on the cake, the running of the dream.
DeleteThen maybe we the ratepayers might have a better understanding of how we stand financially.
Personally, I don't give a shit about what lawyers or insurers say, or come to think of it, the Department of Local Government. I want to know how much has been spent and how much is being spent.
Anonymous1 July 2016 at 00:54 - I agree. We have a right to know the full details and it is not up to the Department of local government, lawyers or insurers to tell us we cannot have the information. It was not their money spent, it was ours!
DeleteThe senior staff blocking the release of this information have gone from the Administration, so there is nothing to fear.
Come on President Wallace and Councillors, do the right things by the people. Stop protecting those involved and order an independent audit. That means someone other than Macri auditors.
It takes a person with integrity and ethics to handle public money.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, we have not experienced this with our budgets for years and our Councillors have not had the expertise to understand the finances.