Shire of Donnybrook Balingup

08/09/2026

While we may not have received the award, we are still very proud of the Donnybrook Recreation Centre for this nomination! 👏

Donnybrook Recreation Centre recognised among WA's leading facilities

Recently, the Donnybrook Recreation Centre (DRC) was nominated for the LIWA Regional Facility of the Year Award, with final results to be announced at the 2026 WA Aquatic & Recreation Conference and Industry Awards in Perth.

DRC representatives attended the event, and while the award was ultimately presented to Karratha Leisureplex, the nomination itself is a significant achievement and reflects the hard work, dedication and professionalism of our staff in delivering quality facilities, programs and services to the community.

Our team also participated in a range of professional development sessions throughout the conference. This provided valuable opportunities to learn about current and emerging trends in the recreation and leisure industry, hear from respected speakers, and connect with professionals from across Western Australia. The knowledge and insights gained will help staff continue to enhance the services, programs and facilities offered not only at the DRC, but through our community services into the future.

We are incredibly proud of our DRC team, and extend our gratitude to the sporting clubs, user groups, volunteers and community members whose ongoing support contributes to the Centre's success. While the award wasn't secured this year, being recognised among Western Australia's leading regional recreation facilities is an achievement our whole community can be proud of.

Congratulations to Karratha Leisureplex on being named Regional Facility of the Year, and thank you to everyone who helped make this nomination possible!

08/09/2026

Don't forget that this is starting today! 🚜🚧

Turf renovations will be carried out at the Egan Park Oval in Donnybrook in the coming week.

⏰ Works will take place between 7am and 5pm on:
- Tuesday 8 September
- Wednesday 9 September
- Thursday 10 September

During this time, you may notice:
🚜 Machinery operating on site
🔊 Increased noise levels
💨 Light dust in the surrounding area
🚸 Nearby facilities will be open/available as normal

These renovations are to the playing surface only. No roads will be closed during this time, however please be mindful of machinery moving through the area and ensure to travel safely through the area.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while these works are completed - should you have concerns, please contact the Shire Administration Office.

04/09/2026

🌱 Annual Roadside W**d Spraying Program ⚠️

The Shire's annual roadside w**d spraying program will be taking place throughout September.

This month, you may see Mainspray vehicles treating Shire-managed roadside verges across the district. W**d management forms part of the Shire's ongoing efforts towards maintaining attractive and welcoming public spaces.

What you need to know:

☀ Spraying will occur when weather conditions are suitable

🚗 Traffic management will be in place while treatment is underway (delays are expected to be minimal)

ℹ A broad-spectrum, non-residual herbicide will be used for these works

❎ The Contractor has a list of ‘no spray’ verges, where treatment will not be applied

🦺 The Contractor will maintain safe work practices and work sites throughout the program

Please take care when travelling near work areas and follow any traffic management directions in place.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while these works are completed - should you have concerns, please contact the Shire Administration Office.

04/09/2026

✨ The Community Yarning Circle is officially open! ✨

Students, staff, community members and project partners recently came together at Donnybrook District High School to celebrate the opening of this special new space for cultural learning, storytelling, connection and belonging.

🫶 More than a physical place, the Yarning Circle provides an opportunity for people to come together to share stories, build understanding, celebrate culture and strengthen connections across generations.

🗣️ Co-designed with community, the project reflects a shared commitment to honouring the rich culture, history and knowledge of the local Noongar community, while creating a welcoming space for future generations to learn, connect and belong.

We look forward to seeing this space become a valued gathering place for years to come. Thank you to everyone who contributed to bringing this important project to life!

Read the full story here 👉 community-yarning-circle-officially-open-@-ddhs!/1243" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.gov.au/news/community-yarning-circle-officially-open-@-ddhs!/1243

📸 Photos supplied by the Preston Press - Donnybrook Community Resource Centre

03/09/2026

Turf renovations will be carried out at the Egan Park Oval in Donnybrook in the coming week.

⏰ Works will take place between 7am and 5pm on:
- Tuesday 8 September
- Wednesday 9 September
- Thursday 10 September

During this time, you may notice:
🚜 Machinery operating on site
🔊 Increased noise levels
💨 Light dust in the surrounding area
🚸 Nearby facilities will be open/available as normal

These renovations are to the playing surface only. No roads will be closed during this time, however please be mindful of machinery moving through the area and ensure to travel safely through the area.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while these works are completed - should you have concerns, please contact the Shire Administration Office.

03/09/2026

Here are the Council Meetings coming up this month:

✳️ Agenda Briefing Session (ABS)
Tuesday 15 Sept. 2026, starting at 5:00pm

✳️ Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM)
Wednesday 23 Sept. 2026, starting at 5:00pm

📍 These meetings will be held at the Council Chambers (1 Bentley Street, Donnybrook) and are open to the public - join us in person or tune in online

🎦 Watch the livestream or watch past meetings and recordings: https://www.youtube.com//featured

📑 Visit our website for meeting documents and attachments: https://www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.gov.au/council/council-meetings

02/09/2026

RIDE, WATCH & EXPLORE BALINGUP! 🌟 Get on your bike and experience Balingup as part of the Southern Forests & Valleys Rainbow Rides!

The Balingup Rainbow Ride is a relaxed 14 km community ride, designed to be enjoyed by families, visitors and riders of all abilities.
📅 Sunday 4 October 2026
📍 Balingup Medieval Site
🚲 Ride starts: 10am
🎉 Event village: 9am–12pm
💚 Free community event

What’s happening?
The event village opens from 9am, giving you plenty of time to arrive, register, explore the activities and get ready for the ride. A rider briefing will take place at 9.45am, before riders set off at 10am.

Alongside the ride, there will be kids’ activities and family-friendly entertainment at the event village, with more activities to be announced. Whether you’re riding, cheering on family and friends or simply coming along to enjoy the atmosphere, there’s plenty to enjoy!

Learn more about the Rainbow Rides + register your attendance 👉 https://southernforestsandvalleys.com/2026-uci-gravel-world-championships/rainbow-rides/

Proudly delivered in partnership with Southern Forests & Valleys

01/09/2026

The Shire President has shared a recap of key items and outcomes from the OCM held in August 2026, covering what happened and why it matters, all in one place.

🚗 MRWA Draft Speed Zoning Policy - our response
Council reviewed and approved the Shire's proposed response to Main Roads WA regarding its Draft Speed Zoning Policy, which outlines the processes for introducing, amending or removing speed limits, and applies to roads.

The Shire's submission supports the overall intent of the draft, while also recommending improvements to ensure future speed zoning decisions are transparent, informed by local knowledge, and aligned with local government planning and responsibilities.

🎵 Smashed Avo Festival 2026
Council considered an application for the Smashed Avo Festival, proposed to be held near Newlands over the New Year period. This event has been held in the Shire in recent years and has attracted thousands of attendees, therefore requiring careful consideration of traffic, safety and community impacts.

Outcome: Council approved the application, subject to conditions relating to traffic management, risk management and noise monitoring.

🏡 Community Housing Review
Council received reports relating to the review of the future management of 3 Shire-owned community housing facilities: Minninup Cottages, Langley Villas, and Preston Retirement Village. The purpose of this review is for Council to gain a better understanding of the long-term requirements and potential operational, financial and governance impacts involved in continuing to own and manage these facilities.

Outcome: Council approved separate next steps for each facility, including commencing discussions with the Department of Communities for Minninup Cottages and Langley Villas, and undertaking an Expression of Interest process for Preston Retirement Village. IMPORTANT: No decisions have been made to sell, transfer or change management of any facility – this is an investigation only.

💻 ICT Strategy & Roadmap
Council considered a long-term strategy to modernise the Shire's ICT (Information and Communication Technology) systems and strengthen cyber security. The Strategy will support improved digital services, stronger governance, more efficient business systems, and reliable service delivery for the community.

Outcome: Council adopted the ICT Strategy and Roadmap, with implementation to be rolled out in stages over coming years.

🪵 Firewood Collection Management - Elected Member Motion
Cr Anita Lindemann brought forward an Elected Member Motion seeking to further understand the management of firewood collection within the Shire. This is the first step in exploring a complex issue, with the aim of better understanding how environmental protection and community access to firewood can be balanced into the future.

Outcome: Council resolved to look into the topic - findings, suggestions, and any other related information will be reported back to Council for consideration at the OCM scheduled for October 2026. An official statement has been published separately, which covers the subject in further detail.

01/09/2026

Understanding firewood collection management in our Shire

🔹 Background Information – where did this start?
At the Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) held in August 2026, Cr Anita Lindemann brought forward an Elected Member Motion seeking to further understand the management of firewood collection within the Shire.

Noting that the regulation of firewood collection primarily sits with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions (DBCA), the motion seeks to explore what role local government may have in supporting positive environmental outcomes.

🔹 Comments from Cr Anita Lindemann:
Our environment is one of our community's greatest assets, and I think most people would agree we have a responsibility to care for it while also recognising the practical needs of local residents. As we continue to learn more about the issue, my hope is that we can find an appropriate balance between community needs and environmental stewardship for the long term.

I've observed increasing firewood collection in non-designated areas and have heard from community members who are concerned about the potential impacts on vegetation, wildlife habitat and other environmentally sensitive areas. At the same time, many households across the South West rely on firewood for heating, and we know the cost of obtaining it from approved sources continues to rise.

I brought this motion forward because I believe it's important that we start the conversation now and ask the question: How might we manage this into the future? It’s a complex issue with no simple solution, but in starting the conversation, we can ensure that we have a clear understanding of the issue, the available evidence, and the approaches being taken elsewhere before considering any future options.

As the saying goes, “nature can do without us, but we can't do without it.”

🔹 Comments from Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy:
Council recognises these concerns are important to our community, and we have an important role in advocating for outcomes that protect these values. This is also supported by our ongoing commitment to supporting a healthy and sustainable natural environment.

Our role is to listen, understand the issue and work with the right agencies and the community to achieve the best possible outcome. We’re taking a measured approach, and will continue looking into the issue further – any future decisions will be informed by evidence, community needs and practical considerations.

🔹 Our Values – why does it matter?
Our natural environment is one of the Shire's most valued assets and plays an important role in supporting our lifestyle, economy and sense of place. Consideration of this issue reflects a number of community priorities, including:
- Protecting native flora, fauna and habitats.
- Preserving the natural landscapes that make our region unique.
- Supporting sustainable land management for future generations.
- Recognising the needs of residents who rely on firewood for home heating.

The discussion also acknowledged reports of environmental impacts associated with firewood collection in some areas, including vegetation disturbance, habitat loss, informal vehicle tracks and impacts on sensitive environmental sites.

🔹 Next Steps – what has Council decided?
Council supported Cr Lindemann's motion, and Shire staff will now look into how other local governments are responding to similar challenges.

Importantly, no changes to current arrangements have been proposed or approved at this time. This is an investigation only, with a focus on gathering information, reviewing approaches used elsewhere, and identifying any potential options that may be available to Council in the future.

This is the first step in exploring a complex issue, with the aim of better understanding how environmental protection and community access to firewood can be balanced into the future. Findings, suggestions, and any other related information will be reported back to Council for consideration at the OCM scheduled for October 2026.

Refer to the Minutes for the August OCM to see the full report for this subject: https://www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.gov.au/council-meetings/past

For current information and requirements for firewood collection, refer to the DBCA website: https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/licences-and-permits/firewood

28/08/2026

📣 PRESIDENT'S UPDATE - AUGUST 2026 📣

Below is an update on recent Council activities, community highlights, and matters of local interest from Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy - this information is also featured on our website and in the Shire Connect section of the Preston Press, where we keep you informed on the latest Council news

👋 Connecting with the Community 🎉
In August, the Donnybrook Arts & Crafts Group (DACG) celebrated its 50th anniversary and officially opened its new home on South Western Highway. It was a pleasure to join Jodie Hanns MLA and fellow Cr Anita Lindemann for this significant milestone, and acknowledge the generous donation of the new DACG building from well-known locals Neville and Dyanne Fry. I also attended a Women In Touch meeting, where special guest Nola Marino shared insights on life after politics.

August also marked the first birthday of the Station Square Markets under Donnybrook Lions Club management, a milestone that reflects the Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting local artisans, creatives, and community connection.

These events are a wonderful reminder of the strong volunteer spirit, generosity and sense of community that continue to make our Shire a welcoming and vibrant place to live.

The Shire has also been engaging directly with the residents of Minninup Cottages, Langley Villas and Preston Retirement Village as part of a review of Council’s community housing facilities. This work supports the priorities identified in the Council Plan, and stems from the outcomes of the May 2025 OCM. Further details and updates are available on the project information page via the Shire website.

🫶 Community Citizen of the Year Awards – nominations for 2027 now open! 📝
The Community Citizen of the Year Awards provides an opportunity to recognise those who make a positive difference in our community. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, sport, the arts, environmental initiatives, community service or many other contributions, these awards celebrate those who make the magic happen.

Nominations close 31 October 2026, with award recipients to be announced on Australia Day 2027. Details about each category and how to nominate are available online: www.citizenshipawards.com.au

🌱 A sustainable new look for Donnybrook ✨
If you've been through Donnybrook recently, you've likely noticed the transformation of our main street garden beds. The new waterwise native plantings not only look fantastic but also reflect our commitment to sustainability and responsible water use.

A particular highlight is the inclusion of grass trees salvaged from the Argyle-Irishtown Bush Fire Brigade fire station development, giving these iconic WA plants a new home in the heart of town. This initiative supports local biodiversity, reduces ongoing maintenance requirements and strengthens the unique South West character of our streetscape.

I encourage everyone to take a moment to enjoy the refreshed gardens when they’re next in town!

Further information, community resources, and more of our latest news can be found here 👉 https://www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.gov.au/