Members of a group called New Westralia smashed their way into a 180-year-old courthouse in the small town of York and declared their authority over western Australia, WAtoday reports.

The would-be rebels posted a notice on the courthouse door, demanding keys and security codes for the building to be handed over in an “orderly and professional manner”.

However, the security guard for the building, which is no longer used as a courthouse, instead called the police, who brought the newly-declared nation to a quick end.

Three men and one woman were brought to court on Friday on charges of criminal damage, trespass and obstruction of police.