Café closure

Dear Echo News,

Yesterday I was told that Poste Café in Guildford had permanently closed. 

I had rung as I wanted to make a booking for Saturday breakfast with my family and spoke with someone from the landscaping business connected to the cafe. 

Such disappointing news that this unique and special venue was no longer there to visit and enjoy.

It has certainly been a favourite place, particularly loved by my grandchildren. 

I am deeply sorry that the owners have made the decision to close the business and we can no longer spend time in the beautiful garden and building.

I wanted to understand why this had happened and searched on the internet where I found on the Instagram site a letter from the owners. 

From my understanding, it appears that this was not an easy decision but negativity, lack of support and continued resistance to what they offered made it not possible to continue, even though they were proud of what had been achieved. 

This seems so wrong.

It was indeed fortunate to have the much-loved historical building used in such a positive way and it is indeed regrettable that Guildford will lose such a popular business inviting visitors to the area.

I hope that there may be a way to encourage the owners to change their mind and reverse the decision to close Poste Café.

T O’Reilly

Maida Vale

A good plan now? 

Dear Echo News, 

It was heartening to read your comprehensive coverage of a development proposal being warmly welcomed by the Perth Hills community, Mundaring councillors and officers, and Save Perth Hills. 

The concerted efforts of all three – to ensure the Darling Scarp’s landscape, lifestyles and natural assets aren’t lost to inappropriate planning or development – is finally being heard.

A proposal for a North Parkerville urban townsite (next to John Forrest National Park and opposite Satterley’s proposed North Stoneville township) has been radically downsized – from more than 700 lots to 67 lots – perfectly reflecting the rural-residential landscape in which it sits and ensuring that future residents aren’t being put in harm’s way in terms of fire. 

I believe there is a strong message in this recognition of place, and one can only hope the Satterley Group and its partners the Perth Anglican Diocese will consider this as they pursue their controversial (and much-rejected) proposal for a township in North Stoneville.

I think it’s time the legacy plan to consider creating urban cells within the Perth Hills was buried forever.  

It’s good to see this North Parkerville development showing the way.

T Wiltshire

Darlington

Woodside wonders 

Dear Echo News, 

Even the most casual observer must wonder what Woodside has over the WA and federal governments. 

To me, this gas behemoth seems untouchable and unquestioned by those tasked with governing our environment or regulating gas production. 

Perhaps it’s the well-trodden pathway to future employment opportunities that makes Woodside so protected, but leaves the environment, sacred sites, ancient artwork treasures and cultural beliefs so desecrated?

P Carman

Hovea

CEO not forgotten  

Dear Echo News, 

It is a loss to our large Perth Hills community of forest lovers, that former Kalamunda chief executive officer Rhonda Hardy has passed, as reported in Former Kalamunda CEO passes away (Echo News, March 22). 

Local government chief executive officers who care as much about sustainability, and recognise people and environment are two sides of the same coin, are too rare.

If Ms Hardy was still at the helm of the City of Kalamunda, I believe the new Friends of the Northern Jarrah Forest Belt – which includes the City of Kalamunda – would likely have her support in the quest to get this unique ecology, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve.

Ms Hardy only resigned less than six months ago in order to focus on her battle with cancer.  

In the position since 2013, Ms Hardy was active as chief executive officer when the Kalamunda community was supported to stage its first Kalamunda Forest Festival in 2022. 

Attracting more than 2000 forest lovers, it was big enough to warrant a stall by the WA Forest Alliance, which represents over 26 organisations concerned with forest science and care throughout the southwest of WA.  

Similarly, the festival was popular again last year. 

Let’s hope that in Ms Hardy’s absence, support for the Kalamunda Forest Festival is not revoked by council this year and can continue annually to become a treasured icon of Kalamunda and the Perth Hills.

May other local government chief executive officers across the Northern Jarrah Forest Belt emulate Ms Hardy’s approach to the community and their trees.

S Braun

Mundaring