Historic Walking Tour of Horrors, York Governor visits historic town of York July 17, 2020 By Adele Hollywood The Governor braved the much needed rain in the Wheatbelt and visited the historic town of York on Friday, 17th July 2020 as part of his regional visits. Just one hour and twenty minutes drive, York is approximately 97 km east of Perth. Upon arrival, the Governor was greeted at the Town Hall by Shire of York President Ms Denese Smythe (York’s first female President), newly appointed Shire Chief Executive Officer Mr Chris Linnell and Rob Cossart, CEO of the Wheatbelt Development Commission. Ms Michelle Bateman performed an Acknowledgement of Country before the group participated in a tour of the Visitor’s Centre by Ms Carol Littlefair. The Governor is keen to showcase local tourism opportunities to support our State’s social and economic recovery in a post-COVID era, “It is so important during this economic recovery to support our potential tourist hot spots. By visiting these magnificent local towns it is my hope to inspire regional travel within our great state. There are a multitude of them so close to Perth and we should take advantage of these locations that are right on our doorstep.” Governor The trip was conducted with the Shire of York to showcase the area’s industry, tourism and cultural features. View of York Town Centre from the Mount Brown Lookout. Itinerary Welcome to Country and tour of the Town Hall and Visitor’s Centre. Walk through Avon Park to view the nature playground and skate park. Morning tea at Botanicalia Cafe to meet with Ms Andrea Webster, an ex USA embassy chef now living in York. Viewing of the current art exhibition at Gallery 152 featuring the work of Australian contemporary artists working in a diverse range of media. The Governor met with Shane Moad who is a landscape painter using muted colour palettes and soft, semi-abstracted shapes to lend a dream-like quality to the landscapes he depicts, which are often located within the Avon Valley/Wheatbelt area. Shane rarely exhibits but was pleased to celebrate the re-opening of the gallery with his latest work. A short walking tour with Rob Garton Smith from Walking Tour of Horrors of three sites of historical interest. 360-degree panoramic views of the York Town Site from the Mount Brown Lookout (five minutes drive of the Town Centre). A wonderful setting for a picnic and barbecue. Lunch at Faversham House hosted by owners Nola and Richard Bliss, including a tour of the cellar. Faversham House is one of Australia’s oldest privately owned grand colonial mansions, and the most recognised historic guest manor in Western Australia, listed with the National Trust and registered on the National Estate of the Australian Heritage Commission. A demonstration at The Sock Factory – a wholly owned and operated Western Australian company that produces an extensive range of high quality socks. Whilst the retail outlet has been in York for many years, Phil Northern and his family used the COVID-19 period to relocate manufacturing from Midvale to York. A step back in time at the York Motor Museum with a fascinating collection of cars and bikes from the last 100 years. A must visit for the whole family and all motoring enthusiasts. Photo gallery Click on the images to save or enlarge The Governor with Cr Denese Smythe and Cr Chris Linnell, Town Hall, York Nature Park Playground, York Gallery 152 and Botanicalia Cafe, York Walking Tour of Horrors, York Avon Suspension Bridge, York Faversham House, York The Sock Factory, York Motor Museum, York Post navigation Governor visits world-leading WA-based telecommunications companyBanjup Local: Community success story View all Articles
