What we have today is the teething pains of a community entering an era of instant communication.

Like children, we are learning the boundaries, the limits of privacy, what is newsworthy and what is mischief; we are learning to moderate our delivery and be more kind.

And, we are learning quickly.

If we consider the first forays into the brave new world of social media which were dominated by rage, profanity, gossip and nastiness, then we have made significant gains.

We now engage in mostly informed debate. Information is shared and current.

Most now understand how they are governed. Voices can be heard.
We find our missing pets, get great bargains and we assist each other.

Most of all, we are interacting on a level never seen before and no one is excluded.

No, it isn’t as simple, but it is more truthful as less is hidden.

Old values and new technology are merging, and we will be richer for it.
There may be some bruising in the transition but it will be worth it.

We have some amazing heritage buildings maintained by the Shire of Toodyay, including Connors Mill and Newcastle Museum, and I urge preservation of heritage-listed Ringa Bridge, near Coorinja Winery.

This bridge has significant value both in heritage and tourism, and needs to be maintained for all to experience.

Just a glance out of the window right now is proof of that.

How fortunate are we, the discoverers of Toodyay.

In many respects we are fortunate that not too many people have discovered the place, otherwise we could become another crowded and over-developed town.

We have absolute riches on our doorstep with the hills, river, the community (even with the odd blip), and the occasional bleating of sheep which can be heard on a still evening as we watch the magnificent setting sun all accompanied, of course, by a nice glass of wine.

I’m proud to call Toodyay my home for almost the past 30 years.
Here’s to you Toodyay – cheers.

What struck me about Wally Chitty’s largely anecdotal account, which is mainly confined to the 20th Century, is the sense of spirit, innovation and community.

Both he and Erickson have included photographs and maps which, collectively, have made me see how much architectural heritage we have lost both in town and beyond.

Chitty includes a map of the main street which illustrates all the buildings and businesses that existed in the first half of the 20th Century.

Toodyay is universally appreciated for what remains of our historic architectural heritage and village charm, not to mention the superb setting.

That is a large part of why we love living here and why Toodyay is such a drawcard for tourists.

The shire has a responsibility, within reason, to preserve and conserve the town’s heritage and I’m sure we all try to work within their guidelines to do just that.

However, sometimes it is the little things that are, or aren’t implemented, in the name of progress or convenience, that work against our goal.

The renovation of The Victoria Hotel is to be applauded.

It is so good to have two operational pubs in town, each offering something different, both of which need to be appreciated and patronised.

However, the new modern doors on the street façade of The Vic are an oversight.

If heritage matters, they should be reviewed.

Another concern is the Ringa Railway Bridge which is located near the Coorinja Winery.

I am under the impression that while some people know about it, few people have seen it.

Built in 1888 as part of the infrastructure for the Toodyay-Clackline rail line, it remains standing today as the longest wooden railway bridge in WA.

It is a sight to behold and is in relatively good condition.

The Ringa Railway Bridge cannot be seen clearly from the main road, but when next visiting the Coorinja Winery take a stroll a couple of hundred metres past the cellars where the bridge is in all its glory.

In the meantime, let’s be more vigilant about our heritage – it matters.