York, Western Australia

York Western Australia
York Town Hall
York
Population:	2,088
Established:	1831
Postcode:	6302
Coordinates:	31°52′44″S 116°45′57″E
Elevation:	179 m (587 ft)
Location:	96 km (60 mi) E of Perth
LGA:	Shire of York
State electorate:	Central Wheatbelt
Federal Division:	Pearce
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall 24.7 °C 76 °F 10.5 °C 51 °F 449.8 mm 17.7 in

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 2,088 people at the 2006 census, it was settled in 1831, only two years after Perth was settled in 1829.

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, a 21 year old officer of the 63rd Regiment, was assigned the making of 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.

St. Patrick's Church (1886)

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.

Climate

York is located within a temperate climate zone and experiences distinctly dry (and hot) summers and cold winters. Climate data has been recorded at York Post Office by the Bureau of Meteorology since 1877 until 1996. The mean annual daily maximum temperature is 24.7 °C and the mean annual daily minimum temperature is 10.5 °C. The hottest month is January with a mean maximum temperature of 33.6 °C. The coolest month is July with a mean minimum temperature of 5.3 °C. Mean temperatures are based upon data from 1880 to 1996. York has a mean annual rainfall of 449.8 mm. The wettest month is June with 87.9 mm and the driest is January with 9.5 mm.

A severe thunderstorm lashed the town and surrounding areas on 27 January 2011, resulting in roofs being ripped off, trees being uprooted and power lines being brought down. About 40 houses were damaged in the town as a result of the storm but no injuries were reported..

Facilities and Attractions

Inside York Town Hall

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. The town population in 2010 was approximately 3800 and increasing 4% annually.^{[citation needed]}

York is well serviced with all essential facilities, including York District High School for students from kindergarten to Year 10. The York Visitor Centre is located in the Town Hall. 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.

External links

• Shire of York
• York Visitor Centre