by W.P. Howey

Why Scone 2024?

Why Scone 2024?

See also: https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/scone-nsw

See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scone,_New_South_Wales

See also: https://sconevetdynasty.com.au/scone-revitalisation-project/

I wrote the first draft of this in 2004. At that time, I quoted the National Farmers Federation’s definition of an ‘ideal’ country town as:

‘Vibrant local volunteer community concerned with health care, aged care, education, employment, adequate policing, public transport and committed to arranging events such as shows, gymkhanas and tennis tournaments’ [NFF 21/07/04]

Featured Image: Scone Horse Festival Parade

‘Points of difference’ – some generic – some specific – some repetitive:

  • Family ties and reunions
  • Objective perception by visitors
  • Area of great natural beauty
  • Attractive location/destination
  • Active service, sporting and cultural clubs [Bridge, ADFAS etc.]
  • Exceptional sporting facilities
  • ‘Affordability’
  • Proximity to major centres – Sydney, Newcastle, Coast, New England
  • Public transport access to above – Cityrail, Buses, Planes
  • Proximity to areas of ‘exceptional’ natural beauty: Barrington Tops, Glenbawn etc.
  • Perceived area profile and reputation – ‘Horse Capital of Australia’
  • Graziers/farmers preferred retirement option
  • Downsizing farm
  • ‘Country change’ flow out and flow on [C/f and contrast ‘Sea change’]
  • Pristine pollution-free healthy environment, climate and lifestyle – ‘healthy clean green perception’
  • ‘Like minded’ community cohort and attractions
  • Access to health care facilities and services:
  • Doctors
  • Dentists
  • Nurses
  • Hospital
  • Aged Care Facility
  • Home Care
  • Physiotherapists/Occupational Therapists etc.

  • Horse related activities and reputation
  • Education opportunities for children and adults:
  • Secondary Schools
  • Pre-schools
  • Primary Schools
  • TAFE
  • Childcare facilities
  • Adult club activities – Quota, Rotary etc.
  • Investment potential – ‘growth area’
  • Good employment prospects short and long term
  • Country ‘feel’ without remote ‘tyranny of distance’
  • Shopping options and specialist shops
  • Quality recreation pursuits – Café society, restaurants
  • Rural retirees preferred retirement option
  • Horse industry ‘in toto’ – Dressage, Rodeo, Thoroughbred Breeding, Australian Stock Horse Society, Pony Club, Polo Club, Polocrosse Club etc.
  • ‘Space’ with intimate propinquity to superior facilities
  • Saleyards
  • Veterinary Industry

Almost 20 years on I would list the most progressive changes as:

  • Scone Bypass
  • Kelly Street Revitalization
  • Scone Airport including Scone Warbirds
  • White Park including Covered Arena & Scone Golf Club (‘Spin-Off’ form Bypass)
  • Strathearn Village Aged Care & Villas on Gundy Road
  • Scone Equine Group expansion at Satur
  • Scone Sailyards
  • The Yellow Cottage Preschool SGS
  • Equine Walk of Fame in Kelly Street (TBA)

WPH 24/10/2023