York, Western Australia

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York
Western Australia

York Town Hall

Population:

3,289

Established:

1831

Postcode:

6302

Elevation:

179 m (587 ft)

Location:

96 km (60 mi) from Perth

LGA:

Shire of York

State District:

Avon

Federal Division:

Pearce

Mean Max Temp	Mean Min Temp	Rainfall
24.75 °C ^{77 °F}	10.5 °C ^{51 °F}	450 mm ^{17.7 in}

St. Patrick's Church (1886)

For other places named York, see York (disambiguation).

York is the oldest inland town in Western Australia, situated 97 km east of Perth in the Avon Valley near Northam, and is the seat of the Shire of York. Home to an estimated 3,289 people in 2005, it was settled in 1831, only two years after Perth was settled in 1829.

[edit] History

With the increasing population of the then Swan River Settlement in 1829, it became evident that suitable land would have to be discovered for the growing of cereal crops needed to provide necessary food.

Robert Dale, 21 year old Officer of the 63rd Regiment, was assigned the honour of making the first exploratory journey over the Darling Range during the winter months of 1830 into what was later to become known as the Avon Valley.

As a result of these explorations, Governor Stirling decided that the new district would be thrown open for selection and this was done by Government Notice on 11 November 1830.

Named after the city of York in England, the first settlers in the district reached the valley on 15 September 1831, and immediately set about the construction of huts, the preparation required for their stock and the cultivation of new land.

The first decade of settlement in the Avon Valley showed steady progress and a clear indication that the whole district should develop into a rich and prosperous farming area.

A township did not begin to appear until 1836 when an army barracks and store were built. It then began to take shape and great improvements were noted as private and Government buildings were erected.[1]

By the late 1880s the town was teeming with miners and fossickers, all alighting from the train and preparing to make the long journey across the plains to the goldfields. It was during the period 1886 to 1900 that most of the town's impressive buildings were constructed.

[edit] Facilities and Attractions

Inside York Town Hall

Rural decline of WA's Wheatbelt region in recent years has been a major problem for York. However some alternative crops and products have shown some promise, such as plantations of olives. The town has adapted by changing from a traditional sheep and wheat agricultural community into a tourist town. This features music festivals, a motor museum, recreational facilities including skydiving and paragliding, many bed and breakfast services and the picturesque Avon River.

York is well serviced with all essential facilities, including York District High School for students from kindergarten to Year 10. The York Telecentre (TAFE / Westlink) enables access to tertiary education. There is a 24/7 medical service, the York District Hospital, library, and swimming pool.