This length of time is certainly more for the convenience of the traffic controllers and not for the travelling public.

A detour lane of a widened shoulder on the south bound side of the road works would enable traffic to pass effectively in both directions while this work is in progress and no one need be waiting for so long.

While on the topic of shire roadworks, having recently driven the length of Lover’s Lane on the new sealed surface, I am bemused as to what would give that piece of road a priority over any number of unsealed roads within the shire that actually have more residences, school buses and Silver Chain users.

The dusty foliage is washed clean and the domestic and farming stock are lifting their faces to the rain showers.

Life just seems more liveable and for a moment, all the chaos in the world takes a back seat.

Sometimes we become despondent when the summer drags on for too long.

But, let’s not forget that this is Toodyay – our very own pretty historical town nestled in a valley which we know now will soon turn green again, where the ‘mighty’ Avon will once again flow under the bridge and where those lucky enough to know the secret live.

Keep raining Huey.

I had not trod those stairs inside since 2010, so walking among the renovated exhibits brought back a lot of memories, especially of how hot it is on the top floor.

After working there for so long when it was the tourist centre, many different characters passed through those front doors, but as I typed on the mother of all typewriters, put up with dust coming from the mill equipment installation, making numerous cups of tea for volunteers, the visitors kept on rocking up asking for information and directions.

It was an incredible place to work.

We always drive by without giving the mill a second thought, or think it is a great place to park in the shade if you want to sneak a coffee but give yourself a treat and go and see the exhibits in there at least once this year.

Let’s celebrate this magnificent building that has been through fire and seen so much by visiting and thinking of the people who have gone before you in 150 years.

As Toodyay Shire President, Chris played a leading role in the emergency recovery process working as the shire representative liaising with Julie Brown, the Emergency Welfare Officer with the Northam-based Department of Child Protection.

Chris worked tirelessly helping to organise food and emergency accommodation for evacuees and supported the volunteers during the long days that followed.

Those early days were crucial for providing immediate assistance.

Subsequently, the official Toodyay Bushfire Recovery Committee was set up with representatives of local and state government agencies, the Salvation Army, Red Cross and other groups.

As part of this, the Toodyay Bushfire Recovery Team was established, and co-ordinated by former shire councillor Charlie Wroth.

We owe a lot to Chris, Charlie, and all the volunteers, for the part they played in Toodyay’s ongoing recovery.

For an organisation such as St John’s which relies so heavily on volunteers, it reflects very poorly on their management that volunteers are not able to raise concerns that they face while on the job, without fear of backlash or reprisal.

I have no doubt that the bullying and intimidation directed at myself was initiated within management at the Regional Office (in Northam).

I have thoroughly enjoyed my 39 years of volunteering as an ambulance officer, serving the community of Toodyay.

I have gained so many new skills and confidence and met some truly wonderful people and made lifelong friendships.

Please continue to support the volunteers as it still is a very difficult time for them as well at the Toodyay sub-centre.

Please keep emailing those who can make a difference, as we cannot let this fade away.

Charlie is prohibited from speaking out, so please continue to be his voice.

SJAWA is deepening the chasm between paid and volunteer ambulance officers.

We cannot allow this to happen to all the wonderful volunteers from all walks of life.

“We have your back Charlie” is a phrase I have heard from Charlie’s friends and former colleagues.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing by our special man.

While I would never condone anyone swerving to miss wildlife on the road – it is possible to lose control of the car – I urge drivers to use caution when driving in areas known for wildlife activity.

If kangaroos are sighted near the road it is possible to slow down in advance.
If a kangaroo is inadvertently hit, it is preferable to pull over and check on the animal.

A ranger can attend to euthanise an injured animal so they don’t suffer unnecessarily, and pouches can be checked for joeys.

Free Beer was a totally tame and loving kangaroo,

He would have been sitting near the road calmly checking things out and his death was avoidable and unnecessary.

His sibling Bunji is so traumatised she spends her days by Debbie’s side or lying down on Free Beer’s grave.

I hope this article raises awareness about wildlife, especially with so many bush creatures lost in recent bushfires and I urge drivers to be vigilant on the road and avoid unnecessary deaths.