THE BEGINNING
In early 1967, a local farmer, Wally Chitty* had an idea of forming a club in Toodyay, along the lines of the Northam Wildflower Club. He discussed this idea with a number of local community members.
Later that year, Dawn Atwell* (a farmer from Woodendale), Ray Paynter* (a farmer from Clackline), Hazel Hastie* (a farmer’s wife from Deepdale) and Albie North* (a Shire Councillor and farmer from Strathavon) met to further Wally Chitty’s idea. They discussed and then formulated the objectives of such a Club. (*Deceased)
So began the Toodyay Naturalists’ Club, an organization highly respected in the local and wider community for its views on the conservation of natural history. Evidence of this respect is its receipt of the prestigious John Tonkin Greening Award in 1996.
Above: Club members injecting trees for die-back protection
1968-2008
The story of the early days of the Toodyay Naturalists’ Club through to 2010 can be found in the Club’s history book The Toodyay Naturalists’ Club: 40 years of Observation and Education (1968-2008), published in July 2010 (ISBN 978 0 9595569 3 3). For more information and details of how to order, please contact the Secretary.
Read some ‘Some Facts and Figures 1968-2013‘ on the club’s past, compiled by Beth Frayne.
May 2022 General Meeting, Lions Village, Dryandra National Park
2008-2023
The Toodyay Naturalists’ Club regularly undertakes litter collection on our road reserves.
Seen at laft are members gathering for the first weigh-in (with more to come) following a ‘Clean Up Australia Day’ event.
The TNC contributed considerably to Toodyay’s National Tidy Town Award in 2015
Right: Recent ‘Coffee-table’ Publication and 50th Anniversary book
A guide to exploring Toodyay… naturally was published in 2018 to coincide with the Club’s 50th Anniversary. Twenty-six of the Club’s members contributed to it.
This guide leads those interested in natural history to enjoy that found within the Shire of Toodyay, to appreciate the impact of the Noongar culture of ‘Caring for Country’ and to search for knowledge beyond shire borders.
Read the list of past and current Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers and Management Committee (based on Beth Frayne’s ‘Facts and Figures’ and Club Minutes)
Read the full ‘Updated Roll of Honour‘
History Book Launch 17 July 2010 – with five Patrons, six Presidents and six Honorary Life Members