New Council: The Shire of West Arthur’s newly elected members made their declaration of office at the meeting on October 24 with Cr Ray Harrington re-elected as shire president and Cr Kevin King as his deputy. Other matters included appointment of shire representatives to committees, purchase of a new grader, purchase of a secondhand pad foot roller, acceptance of quote for bitumen sealing for the 2017/18 road program and a donation of works to Darkan St John Ambulance Sub-centre to assist with the removal of trees from the rear of the sub-centre.
Coalfields Road Works: Main Roads is planning to upgrade sections of the Coalfields Road between Bowelling and Gibbs Siding including intersections with Farrell and Rajander roads. For information contact Cathy Morey on 9881 0503 or email Wheatbelt@mainroads.wa.gov.au
Works and Project Updates: The signs have arrived for the Darkan information bay which will be installed by shire staff next week. The Health and Resource Centre expansion is progressing well. Demolition works between the old and new sections has commenced. The building project is due for completion by the end of February and the car park and landscaping will be finished by the middle of 2018. Storm damage repairs on Quill and Rutherford roads have been prepared for sealing. Works on Darkan South Road and Bowelling Duranillin Road will continue over the next fortnight to enable a few sealing works to be combined.
Annual Seniors Lunch: Seniors in the West Arthur community are invited to the 2017 Seniors Christmas Lunch on Wednesday, November 22, at the Darkan Sports Complex at 11am. RSVP to the Shire on 9736 2222 or West Arthur CRC on 9736 2000.
Australia Day Awards: Do you know an outstanding member or group in West Arthur? Nominate them now for Shire of West Arthur Citizen of the Year announced on Australia Day 2018 at the annual breakfast at Lake Towerrinning. Nomination forms are available from the Shire or online at www.westarthur.wa.gov.au and close on November 30. Contact Kym Gibbs for more information on 9736 2217.
Retirement Celebrations: Parents and members of the community are invited to attend the farewell assembly for Mrs Sheena Fryer, school gardener/handyperson on Friday, November 17, at 2pm in the undercover area at the Darkan Primary School.There will be sharing afternoon tea to honour Mrs Fryer’s 30 years of service to the school.
State Team Selection: Congratulations to Sienna Kuklji for her recent selection into the Western Australian Under 12 Polocrosse State Team for 2018.
Loose Parts Play: The Shire of West Arthur hosted a loose parts play activity on October 29 at the Darkan Skate Park and Nature Play area. It was an engaging session with more than 40 children attending aged between 6 months and 10 years. A kit containing items was purchased and can be used at future functions. Contact Kym Gibbs on 9736 2217 for information.
Open Gardens Review: The Open Garden Days in Darkan went well with about 40 people attending the three gardens. There were even some out of town visitors viewing the gardens from Brookton, Dumbleyung and Wagin. Funds raised from the event will go to Parkinson’s WA.