Shire of Donnybrook Balingup

16/09/2026

📣 COMING SOON: Volunteer Camp Host Program 📣

The Shire of Donnybrook Balingup will soon be trialling a Volunteer Camp Host Program at the Donnybrook and Balingup Transit Parks, which is planned to take place over the summer months.

The program aims to enhance the visitor experience by providing a friendly, welcoming presence within our transit parks while supporting the ongoing management of these popular facilities. Camp Hosts will play an important role in helping visitors feel welcome, sharing information about local attractions and services, and reporting any issues they observe to the Shire.

The program is designed for experienced campers and caravanners who enjoy meeting people, have a passion for regional travel, and are keen to contribute to the local community. In return, hosts will have the opportunity to stay within one of the Shire's transit parks while helping create a positive experience for visitors exploring the Donnybrook Balingup region.

Importantly, Camp Hosts are volunteers and are not Rangers, compliance officers, security staff, maintenance workers or emergency responders. Their role is to observe, assist and report, rather than enforce rules or intervene in disputes.

While Camp Hosts may provide general information to visitors and report maintenance, safety or operational concerns, responsibility for compliance, enforcement, maintenance works and emergency response remains with authorised Shire staff and relevant authorities.

The Volunteer Camp Host Program forms part of the Shire's commitment to supporting tourism, improving visitor experiences and encourage community involvement across our transit parks.

✋ Interested in becoming a Volunteer Camp Host? 👀

The Shire will soon be accepting Expressions of Interest for the program - further information is coming soon, so watch this space!

15/09/2026

🔔 REMINDER: Council will be live at 5:00pm today for an Agenda Briefing Session ahead of the OCM next week. This meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed - here's where and how you can join us:

📍 Attend in person at the Council Chambers (1 Bentley St, Donnybrook)

🎥 Visit our YouTube channel to tune in while we're live or watch past meetings: https://www.youtube.com//featured

You can find all information relating to our Council meetings, including agendas and attachments, on our website: https://www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.gov.au/council/council-meetings

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

15/09/2026

Big ideas + planning 👈 that's you
$$$ to make it happen👈 we can help with this part

Applications are now open for the Shire's 2026-2027 Community Grants Program, with up to $2,000 available per applicant to help bring community-focused projects, events and initiatives to life!

⏰ Applications close Wednesday 7 October 2026

Learn more about the program and how to apply on our website: https://www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.gov.au/community-grants-donations.aspx

14/09/2026

⛔ Balingup Village Green - public toilets temporarily closed ⛔

The public toilets located at Balingup Village Green are temporarily closed due to an unexpected plumbing issue.

📍 In the meantime, public toilet facilities at the Balingup Medieval Grounds remain open and available for use.

We are actively investigating and working to rectify the problem as quickly as possible to restore normal service. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Thank you for your cooperation - we appreciate your patience.

14/09/2026

Not all heroes wear capes. Some run sausage sizzles, coach junior sports teams, check in on neighbours, organise community events, or simply show up and lend a hand without being asked 🫶

They're often the person who doesn't hesitate to step up whenever they're needed. They don't do it for the recognition, but their impact is felt across our community every day, and they help make our Shire such a special place to call home.

Who was the first person that came to mind? Don't let their efforts go unnoticed - nominate them for the 2027 Community Citizen of the Year Awards!

Nominations close 31 October 2026. Learn more 👉 www.citizenshipawards.com.au

The Shire of Donnybrook Balingup is proud to deliver the Community Citizen of the Year Awards in partnership with Auspire - Australia Day Council WA.

The Community Citizen of the Year Awards are proudly supported by Principal Partner Pharmacy 777, Media Partners 9 News Perth and WAtoday.com.au (WAtoday), and Fulfillment Partner Westcare Incorporated.

09/09/2026

📢 Have your say on the Draft Economic Development and Tourism Strategy! 📢

This Strategy will help guide sustainable economic growth, investment, and tourism across the Shire for years to come. It identifies opportunities to build on local strengths and support future growth, with a focus on:
🗺 Tourism experiences and accommodation
🏘 Housing supply and diversity
🌾 Agriculture, value-adding and product development
🛒 Retail and town centre activation
🌟 Visitor experience improvements

Your feedback will help us understand whether the proposed priorities reflect community aspirations and identify any opportunities, challenges or actions that should be considered before the Strategy is presented to Council for adoption

📅 Consultation closes at 4:00pm, Wednesday 30 September 2026

To read the draft Strategy, view supporting information, learn more about the project and submit your feedback, refer to the items listed as Open for Comment on our website 👉 https://www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.gov.au/consultations/

08/09/2026

🔥 Ensuring the right resources are in the right place for the fire season 🚒☑️

ℹ️ The Shire periodically reviews all of its emergency services appliances and resource allocations in preparation for the fire season. This ensures firefighting resources remain appropriately distributed across our district and continue to meet the needs of an evolving and growing community.

Importantly, these adjustments do not represent a reduction in emergency services resources or coverage. Instead, they are designed to ensure the right equipment is available in the right locations to support community safety and emergency response capabilities.

What ISN'T changing: The Shire's emergency services capability - we have...
🧯 18 firefighting vehicles (appliances)
‍🚒 11 Bush Fire Brigades
👨‍🚒 434 dedicated volunteers

So what IS changing in preparation for this fire season? Following the latest review, the following appliance reallocations will occur for the upcoming fire season:

🚒➡️ 1x vehicle will move from Argyle/Irishtown to Kirup.
This means that both brigades will have 2x appliances for the upcoming fire season, helping to maintain emergency response capability across both areas while ensuring resources are appropriately distributed.

🚒🔀 A 2000L fire truck will move from Mullalyup to Mumballup.
This addresses the issue of limited water access in the Mumballup/Noggerup brigade area, and helps ensure appropriate resources are available should an emergency occur.

🚒🔀 1x Light Tanker will move from Mumballup to Mullalyup.
This ensures suitable appliance coverage remains available across both brigade areas, allowing resources to better reflect operational needs while maintaining service levels.

🚒🔄 A vehicle allocated to Munro will be stored safely in Balingup outside of high-threat periods.
The vehicle will remain available in the Munro area during high-threat periods, and will be safely housed in Balingup during lower-risk times. This improves vehicle security and accessibility while maintaining suitable coverage for the Munro area (no appliances are being reallocated elsewhere in this arrangement).

🛡 A proactive approach to community safety

The Shire is committed to continually assessing risks, reviewing service needs, and ensuring resources are positioned where they can best support communities across the district. As our communities grow and risks evolve, emergency service resources must also adapt to remain fit for purpose.

We also want to reassure residents that these changes do not leave any community without firefighting resources. No locality will be left vulnerable as a result of this review. Rather, the adjustments are intended to strengthen overall emergency preparedness by ensuring resources are distributed in a way that best supports the safety of communities across the Shire.

🚨 Ensuring support is available when it’s needed most

A change in appliance allocation does not mean a reduction in protection for a community. Bushfire response relies on a coordinated network of local brigades, shared resources and supporting emergency services working together to ensure capability is available where and when it is needed most.

In addition, Enhanced Bushfire Response Plan arrangements remain in place between the Shire and the Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES). During periods of heightened bushfire risk, these arrangements provide additional support to Shire emergency response efforts, including the automatic dispatch of DFES Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service (VFRS) appliances alongside local Bush Fire Brigade resources where required.

This proactive approach reflects our shared values and objectives outlined in the Council Plan, including maintaining community safety, strengthening resilience to emergencies, using shared resources responsibly, and working collaboratively to meet the needs of our communities.

We thank our Bush Fire Brigade volunteers for their ongoing dedication and service to our community 🫶

Learn more about fire and emergency management in the Shire here 👉 https://www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.gov.au/services/fire-emergency-management

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.