Hay celebrates 150 years of local government

Hay Shire councillors mayor Carol Oataway, Jenny Dwyer, Geoff Chapman, John Porter and (far left) Lionel Garner were pictured with three ex-councillors Jim Bisset, Ross Headon and former long-serving mayor, Bill Sheaffe.

Local Government in Hay Shire reached a milestone last Thursday when it marked its 150th year. The sesquicentennial celebrations were shared with councillors and staff from Cumberland City Council (formerly Holroyd) with whom Hay shares an alliance.

Celebrations started with a community morning tea at Hay Memorial Hall and concluded with a lively street party in Lachlan Street in the evening.

A highlight at the morning tea included presentations by former and incumbent councillors and the cutting of the celebratory cake. Hay Shire councillors mayor Carol Oataway, Jenny Dwyer, Geoff Chapman, John Porter and (far left) Lionel Garner were pictured with three ex-councillors Jim Bisset, Ross Headon and former long-serving mayor, Bill Sheaffe.

As Lisa Lake, Mayor of Cumberland Council said, “Happy Birthday Hay Shire!”

Hay Shire Council celebrated its sesquicentenary; 150 years in Local Government last week when Ms Lake presented a park bench, donated to mark the occasion ‘in the spirit of friendship and in celebration of 150 years of local government in the Hay Shire’.

“So much has happened here over the last 150 years and there are some really moving tributes to your rich history,” she said.

“A friend had told me about Hay War Memorial High School where she worked - with the school motto “For so much, what shall we repay?” – this town’s living tribute to the young men from Hay and the district who lost their lives during WW1 in the service of our country. Since 1923, this high school has been educating young people in memory of young people and is such an inspired setting for your annual Anzac Day commemorations.

“I would like to congratulate Hay Shire Council and the Hay Shire community on this 150-year milestone.”

A plaque was unveiled at Hay War Memorial Hall on Thursday in recognition of 150 years in local government, followed by the first viewing of a documentary showcasing the town, river and the vast history of the various mayors and their descendants.

Photos by Margie McClelland.