Remember Mark Duperouzel?
He’s the motor mechanic and former York councillor—Deputy President, no
less—who conspired with his colleagues Tony Boyle and Pat Hooper to suppress
the Fitz Gerald Report, in which like his co-conspirators he had received
unfavourable mention.
To make matters worse, he did so behind then Shire President Reid’s
back after seeking advice about the said report from Ray Hooper—also
unfavourably mentioned, to put it mildly—who had resigned from the position of
York CEO a couple of months previously but continued to influence his acolytes in
York from his citadel in Alexander Heights.
You can bone up on that sorry story by reading my article The Truth is Out There, posted on this blog
on 11 January 2016.
On top of that, Mr. Duperouzel voted to support SITA’s plan to dump
millions of tons of metropolitan rubbish in our agricultural zone. He did so at a meeting in the Town Hall
attended by hundreds of angry residents strenuously and vociferously opposed to
the landfill.
He must have had a very good reason for voting in that way, because
many of his regular customers, disgusted by his action, decided to take their
business elsewhere.
Still, we shouldn’t dwell on the past. Move forward, as I always say.
Let’s see if a soufflé really can rise twice.
 |
| Mark Duperouzel, minibus entrepreneur |
Minibus Hire
Mr. Duperouzel is currently reinventing himself as proprietor of a
business known as Avon Minibus Hire.
The website is http://avonminibushire.com.au/.
As well as hiring out its two minibuses ‘with or without a driver’, the
business aims to provide guided tours of York’s tourist and heritage sites,
picking up passengers at weekends from a designated parking bay on Avon Terrace.
Mr. Duperouzel’s preferred choice of parking bay is in front of the
Bendigo Bank. He has obtained a
letter from the Bank to say that it doesn’t mind. (There’s no reason why the Bank should mind, because it’s
closed on Saturdays and Sundays.)
This afternoon Council’s ordinary meeting over at Greenhills will
consider Mr. Duperouzel’s application for a permit to operate a commercial
business in York and for the exclusive use of a parking bay, with signage,
while the business is operating its guided tours.
You can study the details of Mr. Duperouzel’s application, along with
the Shire officers’ recommendations, on pages 41 to 45 of the agenda for
today’s meeting under the heading SY122-10/16
– Avon Minibus Hire.
I’m sure Council will view his application sympathetically, and so it
should.
Parking in Avon Terrace
As the Shire's officers point out, the application is consistent with relevant
provisions of the Strategic Community Plan and if approved, will promote
tourism and is unlikely to hinder the operation of other businesses.
However, the officers are clearly less than happy about Mr.
Duperouzel’s choice of parking bay.
They suggest other locations might be more suitable, like in front of
the Community Resource Centre or the TransWA bus stop across the road from the
Shire offices in Joaquina Street.
That’s not a matter on which I feel qualified to comment. Still, in fairness to Mr. Duperouzel, I
have to say there may be a precedent of which he is entitled to take full advantage
in pressing his case.
I’m talking about the decorated green vintage van, belonging to one of
York’s most exclusive munching and swigging stations, that can be seen plonked
for hours at a stretch at various locations along Avon Terrace over weekends and
occasionally at other times.
As other less obvious parking is usually available, I presume that the
purpose of parking the van in Avon Terrace is to advertise the owners’ business
to visiting connoisseurs of luxurious accommodation, delicate viands and fine wines.
I also presume that the owners of the business in question have secured
Council’s permission to park their van as I’ve described.
Subsidy
Where I take issue with Mr. Duperouzel’s application is with his request for
Council to waive all fees associated with it.
The officers state that such an application ‘would generally incur an
application fee of $44, and application fees [sic - I think they mean ‘parking fees’] of $11 per day, $121 per
month or $1,202 per year’.
For the life of me, I can see no reason why those fees should be
waived. On the contrary, I see
every reason why they should be collected. The most obvious reason is that Council should baulk at
setting (yet another) uncomfortable precedent.
What Mr. Duperouzel has in effect requested is that Council should subsidise
his proposed business. The
amount is small, but the principle isn’t. Helping out administratively is one thing. Handouts are another thing altogether.
A waived fee is still a handout.
Money may not change hands, but a financial benefit is conferred to the
detriment of ratepayers and looks like favouritism if it isn’t extended to
other businesses in town.
The officers have not recommended waiving the fees. They merely note
that waiving them is an option available to Council.
Please, councillors, think carefully before voting on this aspect of
Mr. Duperouzel’s application. If
Cr Randell moves to waive fees on the grounds that Mr. Duperouzel is the scion
of an old York family, flog him with a handful of emu feathers until he promises to be a
good boy.
POSTSCRIPT: The officers’
recommendation was that Council should approve Mr. Duperouzel’s application ‘in
principle… subject to determination of an exact location outside the parking
region’ and to conditions covering the display of an A frame sign.
At the meeting last Monday 24 October, Cr Randell moved acceptance of the officers’ recommendation. Cr Walters seconded the motion, which was lost by a majority of 4 votes to 3, with Cr Heaton throwing in her lot with the losing side.
At the meeting last Monday 24 October, Cr Randell moved acceptance of the officers’ recommendation. Cr Walters seconded the motion, which was lost by a majority of 4 votes to 3, with Cr Heaton throwing in her lot with the losing side.
Cr Saint successfully moved, with Cr Smythe seconding, to defer
considering the application to the November OCM, on the grounds that Council needed
further and better particulars before making up its mind.
Is this a sign of the down turn of his business when customers walked away from him after his fool hardy vote supporting SITA.
ReplyDeleteWasn't Mark on Council when the Shire tried to charge Saint's diner for parking bays at the front of their business?
Why should he get a special deal? Are his mates still pulling strings on Council?
If Mark parks the bus in the CBD, won't this fill up the main street with his customers vehicles?
Why not use the designated bus bay outside the Shire office? Customers can then park in Joaquina street.
Glum photo of Mark.
DeleteHow did the Duperouzel agenda item go Bob?
ReplyDeleteWho's Bob?
DeleteI wasn't at the meeting, but I'm told the item was deferred to the November OCM.
Also that, true to form, Cr Trev strode into bat for his mate.
I thought the moderator was Bob, who are you then?
DeleteI'm the bloke pictured and named at the top right hand corner of this page, under the heading 'Moderator'.
DeleteSo there you go, all sorted, Bob's your uncle.
A mini bus tour of York is a good idea, but not using our limited car bays in the CBD.
ReplyDeleteWhat will happen if the business grows and he has four or six buses?
It's difficult enough on Saturday mornings without taking up parking bays for a bus station.
It's not the Bendigo Bank's role to give permission as to who uses parking bays outside their premises when they are not open.
Other Tourist buses park south of South Street nearer the Town Hall, why can't Mark do the same.
What's wrong with his eyes in the picture?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteWhy....? This censorship is tantamount to the Shire's secretive behavior!
DeleteNo, it isn't. Somebody pointed out to me that the second sentence of the deleted comment could well be construed as accusing certain individuals via double entendre of engaging in an unsavoury activity. Rude is one thing, crude is quite another.
DeleteWas Bob at the Shire meeting?
ReplyDeleteGood old Trev keeping in with his mates again.
Yeah, what's wrong with Trevors eyes? looks like he is going to cry.
Any update on Chadwick?
ReplyDeleteApparently he is no longer employed by the Shire.
DeleteI don't know if he's raised bail yet - he may still be behind bars.
Perhaps Mandz would like to bring us up to date on this one.
What's it to you muppets any way?
DeleteWhat's a muppet?
DeleteMuppets are a very famous group of Puppets- thanks nigs profile for the wonderful compliment.
DeletePS - I hope Chadwick is still behind bars!
nigs profile29 October 2016 at 11:16 - thats no way to behave towards those in the York community who care so deeply about where Mr. Chadwick is residing.
DeleteCare so deeply about where Mr Chadwick is....more lies.such great roll models you old busy bodies of York are,hmmm and its shows thought out the generations hahaha. That's karma at its finest.
DeleteHello Mandz, long time no here, what are you doing with yourself theses days?
DeleteSorry spellings all wrong, here we go:
ello mandz wot yer doin wit yerself these days
Just for the record, over the past few days I've received 5 comments from 'U all believe what you read', each as ridiculous as the others and the last containing a scatological misrepresentation of my name.
DeleteAll of them are safely chained up in my spam folder.
Does the author over-indulge in alcohol or illicit substances? Nobody in their right mind could produce comments like those.
R u lost for words james hence why you cant post my other comments? Is that why you continue to make rumors up about people on this pathetic "blog" ohh cry me a river.if you all care so deeply about the town maybe look at a whole new way of showing it rather then putting people you have never even met down.
DeleteWhat's the bet James has never even met Mr Chadwick,for the record he's a family man with 5 beautiful children an like any devoted father will go to all lengths to protect his children. Unlike 1 of you bloggers son letting his $20,000 drug debt end up being paid by his little daughter being taken by dangerous drug dealers. Now these are the kind of people you lot should be putting down don't you think. An the pregnant partner to her son heavenly pregnant an doin illegal drugs with needles ..... Disgraceful behaviour off these so called parents, name and shame them don't you agree James.
DeleteWell, U, I didn't publish your earlier comments because they were silly, crude one-liners that contributed nothing to the discussion (such as it is) and were apparently written under the influence of intoxicating substances.
DeleteWhenever you have something worth considering to say I will be glad to publish it.
You have accused me of making up rumours and telling lies. What rumours, and what lies?
Everything I've written that has relevance to you has been based on reports of court proceedings, on reports of charges laid by police, and on records of meetings attended by members (and former members) of the Shire administration. Where are the lies?
Several months ago, I offered you the opportunity to explain in detail on this blog what you meant by those accusations. (That offer stands for everyone aggrieved by anything that appears on the blog.) You didn't take up the offer. It's still open, by the way.
Not having met people is no bar to writing about them and criticising what they say and do. You've never met me, but that hasn't stopped you having a go at me about things written on my blog, and nor should it.
With some misgivings, I've now decided to post U's earlier comment of 4/11 at 20:01.
DeleteI know nothing about drug debts 'paid by' somebody's little daughter, so I've no comment to make about that, except that the only woman in human history widely held to have been 'heavenly pregnant' was the Blessed Virgin Mary.
For the record, Mr Chadwick did jail time for a violent altercation on Albany Highway some years ago during which he threw a female speed camera operator into a busy road on suspicion that she had photographed his car. The judge said in sentencing him that his behaviour on that occasion had been 'spectacularly dangerous'.
More recently, he is alleged to have forced his way into a house, to which his partner had driven him, and struck the male householder with an axe handle or similar weapon, breaking the man's collarbone. That allegation is still before the courts, so he is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
It is also alleged, on very good evidence, that while employed by the Shire of York he was primarily responsible for a pattern of bullying that led to the departure of two fellow workers, both of whom received significant sums by way of compensation.
I'm sure that Mr Chadwick is a 'devoted father' of beautiful children, but I don't agree that even the most devoted parent of either sex should 'go to all lengths' to protect their children. In this country we live under the rule of law, which as I understand it means in this context that we can go not to 'any lengths' but to all reasonable lengths to protect ourselves and the people we love.
Violence is only reasonable as a response to violence, never as a response to mere words. It is not reasonable to invade another person's home and assault another child's father because you believe, rightly or wrongly, that your children have been subjected to racial taunts at school. That, I think, is what is currently alleged against Mr Chadwick and the matter for which he will stand trial in the District Court early next year.
Finally, I would have had nothing to say about Mr Chadwick if he had not been, as I have good reason to believe, improperly appointed to a job with the Shire of York and improperly maintained in the job despite his alleged involvement in serious bullying of fellow workers. Local malefactors and miscreants who have had no such connection with the Shire are of no interest to this blog - unless, of course, they are, or were, members of Council.
Sorry folks, but there's more. I've made extensive enquiries and discovered that U's story (above, 4/11 at 20.01) about a drug debt, a threatened kidnapping, a payment of $20K and a 'heavenly pregnant' woman mainlining drugs is a vicious and vindictive crock of horseshit cobbled together in an attempt to embarrass Mr Chadwick's alleged victim and his family.
DeleteYou see, we don't all 'believe what we read'.
From what I've heard, the author of that comment is in no position to slag off at others regarding the use of illicit drugs.
On a related topic, readers may care to look up my article 'The Untouchables' published on this blog on 25 November 2015.
BTW, Mr Chadwick (he's the one who pseudonymously addressed us as 'muppets') is back on the streets. Is he still working for the shire?
He's definitely not working for the Shire James.
DeleteRe - Duperouzel. You have got be joking!
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased vote has been shunted on until November. Perhaps it will give the public time to let the Councillors know exactly what they think.
He might have an 'old' name, but he came to us from the city - wish he had gone back.
Bad enough that some folk and business proprietors park their vehicles in the main street all day, now we have a individual wanting 'exclusive' rights, with signage, to take up parking bays in main street. As I understood it, the Ranger is supposed to patrol the street, and issue tickets to those who have overstayed the allotted time for parking. Assume it would be around 2 hours - time for tourists to have lunch, wander up/down the street, and then find somewhere else to park. Like out the back of the Chemists, back of Settlers, and down the back of Post Office etc., where they are supposed to be parking.
By the way, what happened to all the signage, telling people where to park? And signage for the adjoining laneways?
Bad enough that locals can't park, even on weekends, esp. those requiring 'Disabled Parking'. There isn't enough Disabled parking bays as it is, only 2 outside the Co-op, generally not too bad outside the Post Office, but to take up bus size parking (even small ones), right where a majority of eating outlets are, both sides - give me/us a break. Tourists like to park close to where they eat.
Should have Disabled Parking outside the bank, as well.
Down the road, where all the parking bays are - near Smiths and Saints - plenty of room.
AND, could be easily seen.
Duperouzel was on Council when the owner of the property, that was the 'Railway Hotel', where everyone used to park, before it was fenced off, and 'others', applied to have the 'Figtree' chopped down.
You remember, where shops were to be built, with apartments above, that never happened?
Perhaps he could contact that bloke and request 'exclusive use' for his business and all his customers could park there as well? I suspect that the bloke would also want to recoup some of his rates money and charge appropriately and certainly a lot more than c. $1000/ year.
Would probably spend more than that at the pub during the year. And one also assumes that cliental will be paying for the privilege of guided tours and also assume that this is to be a money making exercise, with a profit at the end of the deal.
Exemption of fees - I DON'T think so. You've cost this Town enough!
Another great spot, and also managing to support his other cronies, would be down at the 'Carriage Café' down by the river. Perfect. Could meld together beautifully and supply everything a tourist could want. I wonder if Mr. P. Hooper could organize a bar license down there for them all?
Trev. could cook breakfast or lunch, Mark could be a guide, perhaps out to the Lamb enterprise @ Boyles on Top Beverley Road and charge for tour around the facility, perhaps even a lamb on a spit?, Mr. Hooper could supply drinks for happy hour.
Business prospects are endless, if those involved put their minds to it.
But NOT in the few available parking bays in the main street.
Funny thing is Jan, I'm convinced the little w****r is on the board of the Bendigo Bank, so he presumes that by giving himself permission to park outside the Bank, everything's hunky dory, silly boy. Now he's moping around town whinging because his plan hasn't come to fruition and that he alone was going to be our savior and bring thousands of people to town, the boys got to wake up, stop listening to his mummy and work it out for himself, like he should have done instead of listening to his surrogate Father, Ray!
DeleteHestelling people Bendigo sponsored him but his on the Board of Bendigo isn't he? How does that work?
DeleteThere's the proof Duperouzel hasn't changed.
DeleteNext thing we know the Bendigo Bank will be sponsoring his buses.
How on earth did a moron like Duperouzal get on the board of a community bank.
ReplyDeleteHe was a f...ing disgrace as a councilor and betrayed this community when he voted for the tip even after the community voted to reject it at the previous meeting. He said he was representing the slient majority.
Watch the Bendigo bank, with people like him on the board they will most surely be acting in their own interests not those of the shareholders.
Vote with your feet people like we all did with MAL Autos, the failed motor mechanics shop in York. Try the Commonwealth bank it isn't run by uneducated fools.
Had that idiot Duperouzal and his two idols, Boyle and Prat Hooper not burried the Fitzgerald report we would have had justice in this town, now we have a suries of coverups and ongoing lies from the current Counccil who seem to be controlled by Duperouzals puppetiers, the likes of Marwick and Hooper are still controlling this town.
The likes of Marwick and Hooper don't have the guts to put their hand up for council because they are frightened of failing, thats why they have to use puppets to do their bidding for them.
DeleteBendigo Board
ReplyDeleteChair:
Dianne Robertson-Smith
Secretary:
Joanne Allen
Directors:
Ashley Fisher
Rhys Turton
Kenneth Sevenson
Mark Duperouzel
Lindsay McNeill
Susan Flynn
OMG I am shocked Ashley Fisher and Mark Duperouzel are both on the board - Lindsay McNeil was close to them and Ray when he wrote for the paper.
DeleteIs Susan Flyn Pat Flynn's Wife? if she is, the Flynns are up to their necks with the Boyles and Hoopers in the Race Club.
The letter permitting the parking from the Bendigo Bank must be considered null and void.
With Fisher and Douperouzel involved on the board I will close my account.
No good any of those 'trouble makers' applying for a grant from the Bendigo Bank, they wouldn't stand a chance.
DeleteThese people can't let go of the need for power and control can they.
ReplyDeleteJust when we think we have rid our lives of them, they creep out from under another rock.
Yes, the same old names keep popping up, but that's because those people take the trouble to put themselves forward for positions that give them influence and a measure of control over community affairs.
ReplyDeleteIf the rest of us choose to stay out of the ruck, we've only ourselves to blame if we're not happy with the result.
Just as if we don't vote in council elections, or put up for seats on council, we have to accept that some successful councillors, supported and campaigned for by well known 'establishment' figures, aren't the kinds of people we would want to make important decisions on our behalf and in some cases wouldn't know if their bottoms burst into flame.
It's called 'democracy' - as Winston Churchill said, an imperfect system, but the best human beings have so far devised.
If it were perfect, satirically minded folk like me would have little or nothing to write about!
Pat and his mates need to be seen as someone important in the community. Being a JP makes Pat feel important. I would travel to Northam or Perth before I used him as a JP.
Delete"We- as a team are a very smart council , and between us we can make extremely strong decisions for the betterment of this town and it's community. I feel if it keeps going like it is there will be a massive implosion and no one will be positive with energy. As you and I know this town has got a lot to offer and we can do it as a team, (and a team is a group of people that make each other look good) so let's combine thoughts and work some thing out and go forward."
ReplyDelete[Mark Duperouzel 2014]
God help us.
Mark Duperouzel should hang his head in shame for what he did during the time he was a Councillor. He was prepared to sell us out to a Landfill because he thought he was going to get business from it, instead he lost many of his loyal customers.
ReplyDeleteThere's no question - "The Team" as he called it, worked bloody hard to make each other look good - at the expense of the Town!
Other Pat a J.P. ? Is he? How can that be? How can a person who, I believe, has had a number of run-ins with the RSPCA for damage to horses - 1., was supposed to have had broken ribs, as part of it 'training', amongst other things, be a Justice of the Peace? What sort of criteria is it that allows cruelty charges to be laid, against someone, but puts that same person in charge of deciding who might be brought to trial for breaking the law ?
ReplyDeletePerhaps it was him that allowed that horrible person who worked for the Shire, to keep getting off.
As for Mark Duperouzel, what does "no one will be positive with energy" mean? A bit 'scrambled' perhaps like his brain.
Greer1 November 2016 at 03:24 you are galloping down the wrong track - Pat Hooper (ex CR and ex Shire President) is the JP. He is also the one who back stabbed/shafted his own leader Shire President Reid by writing the Minority Report. Pat Hooper is also an adoring supporter of the ex CEO Ray Hooper.
ReplyDeleteIs it true there will be no Christmas parade this year? I was told the fee (red tape) involved for volunteers to run this event would be approximately $5,000.
ReplyDeleteThe Christmas Grinch contamination is spreading into regulations.
How disappointing for everyone in York - another year without a Christmas parade and enjoyment for the oldies in York. I thought that stupidity went when Ray Hooper left.
DeleteCan someone tell us why it is made so difficult for volunteers wanting to do good things for York?
We had no end of rules and hurdles put in front of people when Ray was here because he did not want festivals or happiness of any kind.
Doesn't the Shire have a Community development officer - why isn't she organising the parade? What is her role?
Surely the Shire can organise a parade then close off the street for late night shopping, music, carols and a bit of Christmas happiness to help the local businesses gain some much needed business.
Its not a big ask surely.
Come on, at least close off the main street to traffic the night the lights on the Christmas tree are turned on.
DeleteAsk Frank Dols to bring his music caravan in to give us a festive atmosphere.
There's plenty of food outlets for people to buy an evening snack.
I have been told Businesses will be doing their bit to bring the festive spirit back into our Town by decorating their shops so lets use this night to promote late night shopping.
Can't the Shire close the street for one night?
O.K. Thanks for that. What a relief. I had thought one was bad enough, but two of them, as J.P.s, doesn't bear thinking about. I think the mix up came in reference to S. Flynn at the bank and the "Pats" at the race track, not a lot of difference, I think.
ReplyDeleteYou are quite correct, there's not a lot of difference, they are both up to their necks in horse shit.
DeleteBoyle is also involved in the Race Club. These people have to find something to make themselves feel important.
I had to listen to Tony Boyle's dribble at a Race meeting last year. Someone needs to give him lessons in public speaking and teach him how to use a microphone. It was bloody terrible.
I have received a Notice of A.G.M for the Bendigo Bank to be held on Nov 24 at the R.S.L Hall at 5.30p.m. As 'Harry' listed on Oct 29, the names of Directors of the Bank, it appears in the 'Board of Directors' list, in the 'Annual Review', that apparently one Director, Delys Leanne Sherry, resigned November 2015 and was immediately replaced with one Mark Duperouzel.
ReplyDeleteHow do these things happen? One would think that if you have shares and a lot have, that you would be at least notified of those who are putting their names forward for a Directorship.
Perhaps I'm not paying attention, but not once, have I ever seen an advertisement, stating that a Directorship is to become vacant, or that one could put a name forward to nominate for appointment.
As I understand it, the 'Board' appoint these people to participate as Directors.
Before you all close your bank accounts, noted in the Chairman and Manager's Reports (one would have thought that 'Chairperson would now be more appropriate) one ASHLEY FISHER has given notice of intention to retire from the Board, but will continue to serve as a Director until the end of 2016. So, those who are interested in becoming a Director of the Board and have a 'foot in the door' (i.e. know someone who is already there, who can help) End of 2016, there is a spot coming up.
Did 'the boys' bully Delys Leanne Sherry out of the job?
DeleteThere's a lot of men in York don't like Women to have any say because they are frightened they will show them up.
How come Mark Duperouzel got appointed without asking Shareholders?
Does the Bendigo Bank sponsor Mark Duperouzel's Son? If so, isn't it a conflict of interest for him to be a Director?
Don't worry Jan, those on the board will have already hand picked someone 'they' want on the board - that is how it works in York. The same goes for the Co-op board and the Shire Council. It is all controlled to make sure those who ask questions or want the truth told are annihilated by those who hide in the shadows.
We all know their names. Most have been - or still are - Councillors or are related to one.
Their back bones are held up by control and hatred.
Hands up all those people who have been given a "Fuel Card", in lieu of free transport in the city and cheaper fuel costs?
ReplyDeleteHands up all those people, who, when you get a fuel receipt that you can read, find that you have been slugged an extra 2.85% surcharge/fee, for the privilege of using your Govt. provided card?
So, while city folk can get free transport and cheaper fuel, we, in the country, pay higher fuel rates, often have to travel for hours to access services, which are generally 'just around the corner' for city people, get no free transport - even on weekends AND get hit with an extra fee,
for using our fuel cards.
('scuse French) That Bloody Stinks!!
Rang the people involved in the fuel cards and apparently it's all ok. These people can charge whatever they like - and get away with it. "Normal" I understand, is around 2%.
This is called 'Profiteering'. During the 2nd World War, people caught working these schemes could be hanged!! Not a bad idea.
I will be contacting our local member M.I.A. Davies and see what she has to say and may I suggest that everyone else do the same.
As I couldn't find her through Directory Assistance ( true ) our wonderful Matthew, at Shire, came up with the goods.
MIA DAVIES: Northam 9622 2871 Merredin 9041 1702. Or : mia.davies@mp.wa.gov.au
As many people as you can, flood the lines, crash the email system, whatever it takes, do COMPLAIN. Loudly.
Generally if you want everything to be around the corner, you live in a city.
Delete1. If you think Mr.Boyle has problems in front of a microphone, then clearly you haven't heard Mr. P. Hooper. That is an absolute nightmare - can't read for a start. Couldn't bear listening to him, esp. in public - soo embarrassing. Just awful.
ReplyDelete2. Believe it or not - tried 4 times today to email Mia Davies, re - the 'surcharge' on seniors fuel card, it just kept 'looping back' to me. Couldn't get it sent. Not only can't be found through Telstra 'phn. directory - not Northam, not 'Harvest Terrace' Parliament, not via email either ! May have to try and ring her. Now, what was that nick name, people had for her????
For those who are interested, the fuel station is trading as 'Caltex Woolworths Mundaring'. Avoid them. Unless of course you want to add 2.85% to your fuel bill.
3. Was in the Bendigo Bank this morning, and to my astonishment, there on the wall is a great big picture of Jake Duperouzel, water skiing and sponsored by "THE BENDIGO BANK"
Intit good???
His father has only been on the board for a year, so benefits of being on the Bank Board, are more than clear!! I wasn't aware that we had a water skiing club in York. And permission to park outside the bank on week ends. Wow. I am beginning to wonder if 'our bank' has provided finance for him to start his little business. Not that it is any of my business, and I'm sure financing would be completely above board.
Talk about incestuous. I felt quite ill, to think that those who have stuffed up on Council are now in a better playground, with even more funds floating around them, with which to play.
The BP Mundaring does not add a surcharge for fuel card. Won't be long and the Lakes BP will be in full swing.
DeleteI also noticed the over sized framed photo on the Bank wall. Amazing what Daddy can arrange for his kids when he is on the Board.
Has anyone seen if the buses are sponsored by the Bendigo Bank?
Yes Pat Hooper should never be allowed near a microphone OR public speaking.
ReplyDeleteI remember hearing one persons surname continually mispronounced by Pat Hooper when he was Shire President. He just couldn't get it right.
The English lesson covering one of the basic rules for pronunciation - taught in primary school - must have been missed by Mr. Hooper.
How did he ever become a Teacher?
Here's a free lesson Pat to bring you up to scratch.
• Single vowels (a, e, i, o, u) are short before double consonants (AttAck)
• Single vowels are long if they are followed by a single consonant
I still haven't recovered from the embarrassment for York having Pat Hooper wearing his Shire President Badge rocking up to the City of York in the UK to 'dine' with the Mayor. OMG he was there representing us!
DeleteImagine the shocking image he left behind. Mispronounced words and complete lack decorum at every turn. His lack of a polished education spewed out every time he opened his mouth. Shouting loudly and laughing even louder - at his own jokes.
I still cringe at the thought.
Come on, you lot, lay off Pat Hooper. Be fair. He's suffered enough.
DeleteIf he has difficulty speaking in public, he has my heartfelt sympathy. He can be no worse than me. It's a sign of shyness, not of intellectual deficiency.
On the mercifully rare occasions when I have to address an expectant multitude, I can feel my brain turning into cotton wool and my tongue falling back into my throat. Then my eyes begin to revolve in their sockets and I'm overcome by a desperate urge to visit the nearest gentlemen's convenience. It's a curse, and I'm sorry if Mr Hooper is also encumbered by it.
This should find her..........Mia.Davies@mp.wa.gov.au
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't, you know. That is the email address I was given, publish here, several days ago and have been trying to use. But thankyou for trying to assist. Appreciated.
ReplyDeleteOMG.... MIA's gone Missing in Action again. Isn't it wonderful how our elected members make themselves unavailable once they are in. That goes for the Local councillors as well.
DeleteMIA will turn up prior to the next election, prancing through York in her high heels, expecting us to vote for her.
Jim, you may suffer from shyness in front of a mic, but Mr. Hooper I doubt could spell the word. Anything that makes a noise and is attached to power, in his presence, brings more of a "Bull at the gate" - excited response. Anyway, you can read, pronounce words and speak clearly, concisely, and enunciate. ( Someone at a later date, may have to explain these words to him).
ReplyDeleteMr. P. Hooper wasn't just a teacher, he became a 'Headmaster' - later Principal - at a Kalgoorlie Primary School, and yes, I also keep wondering how and why, the first position, let alone the second one! Scary. He may not be the only one around.
Pat Hooper put his hand up to be Shire President and should have made sure he was fit to hold that position. He wasn't.
DeleteJan the reason the first position occurred was, the State was desperately short of Teachers. From that first position if a Teacher stayed in rural regions long enough they eventually bubbled to the top.
Ladies and gentlemen, please stop having a go at Pat Hooper. We've reached the point where forgiveness should take the place of reproach. I'm sure he wishes he had never been shire president or even a councillor. Let him slip quietly and gracefully into retirement.
DeleteThose Pat Hooper hurt have the capacity to forgive because they are better than he is.
ReplyDeletePat Hooper is a 'little man' and quite frankly doesn't deserve so much attention, negative or otherwise. He was only a part of an already failing corrupt system of local government, together with a dinosauric CEO and a weak pathetic council it only had one way to go. Stop paying him any more attention, in reality, he's only worth alluding to in context of something you may pick up on the sole of your shoe.
ReplyDeleteBefore we scrape off our shoes - here's one for the Blog Archives.
DeleteIt did not go unnoticed by those attending the York Australia Day Awards some years ago this pathetic apology of a Man - as Shire President - deliberately avoided shaking hands with a resident nominated for Citizen of the Year because he disliked the person.
November 2010 CBD Street trees
ReplyDeleteShire Pres. Hooper said he had requested the Administration - that is the chief executive officer - to replace the trees and he (President) could not explain to those present why the trees had not been planted. It needs to be said, the CEO Ray Hooper was present at the meeting, sitting next to the shire president and remained tight lipped on the issue.
Talking about that stuff you pick up on your shoes....here's a bit of Australian way of life the Shire 'Inspector' would have trouble dealing with these days.
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine the application fees, building permits, inspections, infringements notices, and testing to say nothing of the separate application to cut that crescent moon in the door.
Dunnies
They were funny looking buildings, that were once a way of life,
If you couldn't sprint the distance, then you really were in strife.
They were nailed, they were wired, but were mostly falling down,
There was one in every yard, in every house, in every town.
They were given many names, some were even funny,
But to most of us, we knew them as the outhouse or the dunny.
I've seen some of them all gussied up, with painted doors and all,
But it really made no difference, they were just a port of call.
Now my old man would take a bet, he'd lay an even pound,
That you wouldn't make the dunny with them turkeys hangin' round.
They had so many uses, these buildings out the back,"
You could even hide from mother, so you wouldn't get the strap.
That's why we had good cricketers, never mind the bumps,
We used the pathway for the wicket and the dunny door for stumps.
Now my old man would sit for hours, the smell would rot your socks,
He read the daily back to front in that good old thunderbox
And if by chance that nature called sometime through the night,
You always sent the dog in first, for there was no flamin' light.
And the dunny seemed to be the place where crawlies liked to hide,
But never ever showed themselves until you sat inside.
There was no such thing as Sorbent, no tissues there at all,
Just squares of well read newspaper, a hangin' on the wall.
If you had some friendly neighbours, as neighbours sometimes are,
You could sit and chat to them, if you left the door ajar.
When suddenly you got the urge, and down the track you fled,
Then of course the magpies were there to peck you on your head.
Then the time there was a wet, the rain it never stopped,
If you had an urgent call, you ran between the drops.
The dunny man came once a week, to these buildings out the back,
And he would leave an extra can, if you left for him a zac.
For those of you who've no idea what I mean by a zac,
Then you're too young to have ever had, a dunny out the back.
(A zac was a sixpence coin before decimal currency came into australia in 1966)
Are you referring to those poor unfortunate tourists who occasionally get taken short when visiting our progressive little town?
DeleteLet me tell you, despite what they say in the circus tent, the administration don't like spending money on the unnecessary opening of dunnies, why should they, it doesn't affect them!
ReplyDeleteTo Anon Nov 13. Fabulous and v. well done. This should be shoved into our local rag, also other regular and local papers, so others can enjoy and perhaps remember.
Wasn't just the Redbacks, there were sometimes 'slitherin' things, as well!
You may have missed your calling.
The Shire's on the lookout for Roosters AGAIN! I thought this stupidity stopped when Ray and his henchmen left.
DeleteTime to reboot the Rooster underground movement.
No Roosters, no chickens, no eggs!
Jan, I did not pen the Dunnies Poem. The author is unknown to me.
DeleteGees, not a Shire Rooster cull again.
DeleteTime the Council reviewed the stupid laws Ray inflicted on us about keeping animals.
I remember when the laws went before council, Pat Hooper complained about geese wandering down his road getting in the way of traffic.
Just as well York kids don't play cricket out on the road like we did. JP Pat would sign the warrant and have them arrested.
Remember the 'Register all animal' notice Ray Hooper issued. Many smelt a rat and they were right. Once Registered animals all over Town were given a death sentence, resulting in a mad scramble to rehouse children's pets. From memory this was about the time Ray acquired the Hitler tag.
One Lady, expecting a little compassion, went to the Shire office and explained her Grandchildren's pet Rooster was now very old and would fret if re located. She could not bring herself to have it destroyed. Ray's male lackey told her to bring it in to the front counter and he would wring it's neck for her.
We live in a rural town and if people don't like to hear Roosters crowing why do they live here?
I left the city a long time ago when councils started their infill programme that saw the demise of the Aus. back yard, no chookes permitted, sirens blared 24/7 and we could hear the neighbours toilet flush next door.
Come on, we are finally getting our Christmas Decorations back, lets take the next step and bring back some common sense about living in a rural Town.
For a small town of just 3500 people, York has a disproportionate number of cocks.
DeleteYou obviously haven't heard, but for obviously euphemistic reasons people now refer to 'roosters' rather than 'cocks'.
DeleteSaw in one of the local 'Gazettes', that the law has finally caught up with a certain Mr. Colin King and family, for 'fiddling' real estate deals and making huge amounts of money for themselves at the expense of lots of others.
ReplyDeleteSee, what goes around, comes around and God WILL get you in the end.
Those judged dishonest will get 'done', eventually.
It may take some time, but it will happen.