The above photo is of the Rainforest - A treeless weedy reserve transformed over 18 years. Electricity to the town way back in the dim dark ages, Marri Grove Primary School in more recent history and then there is what we have been up to in the last 10 years! Upgrading the townsquare, the War Memorial and building the Peace Memorial Wall. Abernethy Road traffic lights, opening the median at Pitman
Way, the sculptures on the highway in town and the entry statement near the Thomas Road lights. Lobbying, finding funds and working with government agencies takes a lot of time and effort and we are currently engaged with the SJ Shire council and Main Roads WA to improve the safety and look of the highway through town. We have successfully lobbied the Minister for Transport and the Federal Government for about $800,000 and the shire has Royalties for Regions money to add to that, but the wheels of bureaucracy turn very slowly and almost grind you down to the knees before the plans can be implemented. We have a team of Byford Bag Ladies and Lads who pick up roadside rubbish every Sunday morning and on any other day of the week they feel like some exercise, keeping the roads clean within about 6kms of the town. We also work on revegetation projects. Another sculpture on a plinth/seat will soon go up in front of the hall with council support and financial contributions from a number of our members. Then we will start on a southern entry statement! We have two history books for sale at the Byford Post Office and have a great collection of photos and newspaper articles telling Byford’s proud history of more than 100 years. Anyone who would like more information, or to join and attend our infrequent meetings (about 5 per year, when there is something really important to discuss and a decision to be made or some great news to share) can contact Colleen Rankin on 95251146.
