In 1867, Phillip Woolcock erected an unlicensed wine shanty on the east side of Yarriambiack Creek, south of the Scott brothers’ squatting run, on the site of what is now the Warracknabeal Hotel. He was the first European to permanently settle within in the town boundaries.
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To commemorate this, the Warracknabeal community hosted a range of activities over the Queen’s Birthday weekend to celebrate 150 years. I congratulate the committee headed by Kevin Gebert and Abby Egan for their organisation of the extensive program.
I was able to attend many of the functions, from Friday’s civic reception to the Sunday night fireworks at Anzac Park. Highlights included accepting Ray Hinchliffe’s gift to the shire of a painting of the iconic roundabout at the post office, being part of Saturday’s parade along Scott Street, recovering a time capsule buried in 1988, dedicating a plaque at the information centre and attending the unveiling of a sign to commemorate the site of Ailsa State School. It was a wonderful weekend enjoyed by all. I would like to acknowledge the mowing and tidying-up by shire staff and Woodbine of the town entrances. This really contributed to showcasing the town.
On Wednesday, June 14 I had the pleasure of conducting another citizenship ceremony. I welcomed Rupanyup couple Guillermo and Magda and their children, Felipe and Valeria, as Australian citizens. The family came from Colombia three years ago.
The MasterChef episode on Monday, June 19 was filmed at Brim in February. I watched the show on TV at Brim with more than 40 locals. All of us were most impressed with coverage the silos received. The publicity given to the Silo Art Trail by this episode is immeasurable.
Rone has nearly finished his portrayal of Geoff and Merrilyn Horman on the Lascelles silos. Melbourne street artist Katie Kaff-eine is expected to start painting at Rosebery in the next few weeks. Her work will complete the six-silo trail through the shire.
At our council meeting on Wednesday, June 28 we adopted our four-year council plan and passed the 2017-18 budget. Rates and service charges are expected to raise just more than $11.8 million, about half our income. Town rates were set at 0.00655 cents in the dollar of Capital Improved Value and farms at 0.005325 cents. It has been a challenge to maintain services, but we are more than hopeful we can continue offer our residents what they have come to expect.
