Like any newspaper, it’s The Herald’s job to report the facts and, in my opinion, our local newspaper does just that.

It is however the council’s job to listen to the people, to be accountable in all things and to think and plan beyond the obvious.

And, by doing exactly that, I would strongly suggest the town’s profile would be painted in glowing rainbow colours … in every issue.

The Herald, as I see it, is not out to get the Shire CEO or the council.

Our local newspaper, along with others, is simply asking for accountability and an overall collegiate approach to aiding Toodyay’s forward growth into a community that does not only benefit the many long-term families in the area but also the greater majority of those who have chosen to put the city behind them and become local ratepayers.

If people are concerned by what they interpret as an ongoing attack on the CEO and council, I would further suggest that it’s in the CEO’s power to quickly and easily turn it all around into a win-win for everyone.

This could be done by embracing the collective intelligence of the town, the skills, the pool of experience and the great desire to be here.

It could be done simply by asking for help, for ideas, by eliminating the need for confidentiality and by trusting the people.

Who in the shire thinks that a 140 per cent increase in its wages bill is deserved?
Is it any wonder the WA Salaries and Allowances Tribunal has announced that payments for local government CEOs and councillors cannot rise in the 2018-19 financial year?

As ratepayers, we should be demanding answers from our ward councillors about why shire services are still at 2013 levels but rates have blown out.

What did they think the extra rates they voted for over this period were to cover?

This coming financial year’s budget should not be approved until the new councillors are elected and have gone through the proposed budget with a fine tooth comb and fully understand the effect their decision will have on ratepayers.

For more than 40 years Max returned to Toodyay each year on Anzac Day for the local RSL service.

This year he was in hospital and too weak to travel at age 95, so five generations came to him and met in the main foyer for the Anzac service.

Max ran the power station in Connor’s Mill in Toodyay from the age of 15 before enlisting to serve his country.

He was the sole survivor of the original 77th Squadron RAAF which fiercely defended Darwin from the Japanese, and he participated in many heroic actions during his service.
Max was also the last of his generation in our family.

He was a gentleman and a Toodyay treasure.

His was a life well lived.

Max leaves behind his beautiful wife Audene, aged 93, who will be loved and comforted by the four generations under her.

These services include free accommodation, transport, emotional support and disease-specific education.

Funds raised also contribute to Australian researchers who are working tirelessly to discover safer and more effective treatments through their critical research.

Thank you for your support.