Yea becomes third australian Cittaslow

A team from Goolwa, led by Mayor Kym McHugh and his wife Heather joined Paul Payten from the other Cittaslow town of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains visited the central Victorian town of Yea to celebrate its acceptance as a Cittaslow.  They were treated to dinners, a tour of the region and a visit to the Yea Community Market.  They heard presentations from Murrindindi Mayor Peter Beales about the challenges facing the shire following the devastating fires two years ago as well as plans for the Rail Trail which will include Yea.  Substantial works are being undertaken to transform the remains of a discontinued railway line between Yea and Mansfield.  When finished, the Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail will cover 134km and will be open to cyclists, walkers and horse riders.

Cittaslow Goolwa members included President Lyn Clark, Vice President Edward Booth, Secretary John Clark, Jane Booth and Vanessa Mulhall who were all impressed with the positive way that Yea has used Cittaslow to lift the community's spirits after suffering bushfires, drought and floods over the past few years.  They also enjoyed their time in the Community Market when the Cittaslow flag was handed to the Mayor of the Murrindindi Shire Peter Beales by the Mayor of Alexandrina Kym McHugh.  They were also tempted to part with some of their money as they sampled some of the region's local produce.

Following the acceptance of Yea into the international Cittaslow family of over 140 towns from 24 countries, it was agreed to establish the Australasian Cittaslow Network which will now oversee the further development of Cittaslow "Down Under".  This will enable towns in Australia and New Zealand, as well as other associated islands and South Sea countries to become members of Cittaslow.  Lyn Clark was elected as the inaugural President of Cittaslow Australasia with John Clark as the Secretary/Public Officer.  Adele Anderson is the Vice President and Paul Payten was elected Treasurer/ Registrar.  Other positions on the new Board were shared between Katoomba and Yea. The meeting accepted its new Constitution and will become an incorporated body as soon as possible. Meetings will be held as often as possible with at least an annual general meeting each year, shared between the member towns, but because of the size of the country, most meetings will be electronic.

Photograph:

Yea receives its Cittaslow flag at the Community Market

Left to right: Adele Anderson (Cittaslow Yea Coordinator), Adam Dennis (Yea), Mayor Kym MucHugh (Alexandrina Council), Vanessa Mulhall (Goolwa) Mayor Peter Beales (Murrindindi Shire), Lyn Clark (Goolwa)

The Cittaslow Yea Working Party displays its Cittaslow Australasia certificate.