Draft Community Engagement Framework

Posted: 11/03/2026 Closing Date: 08/04/2026 04:00 PM

The Shire of Donnybrook Balingup is preparing a Community Engagement Framework, which will provide  a clear and consistent approach to engaging with the community across the district.

It sets out the principles, processes, and tools that will guide Elected Members and Shire staff in all departments in planning, delivering, and evaluating engagement activities, from localised projects to large-scale strategic planning. This will ensure that all engagement is conducted in an inclusive, transparent, and coordinated manner consistent with the Council Plan.

Have Your Say – Community Survey

The Shire is seeking  community feedback through a survey, with responses contributing towards refining the draft before final adoption.

Time Needed : Approximately 10 minutes – it should take 5 minutes to read the draft Framework, and a further 5 minutes to complete the survey.

What we want to learn:

We want to know if the Framework is clear, meets community needs, is accessible, and if/how you think it could be improved to be as suitable as possible.

This survey focuses on clarity, accessibility, and how the Framework would work in practice. It is not about specific projects or decisions. It asks community members to provide feedback  by completing a series of rankings/rating scales , as well as in written responses.

Who we want to hear from:

We want to hear from everyone , because this Framework will shape how the Shire connects with all of you. That includes residents, ratepayers, local businesses, young people, volunteers, emergency and health workers, teachers, students, and yes, even your neighbour who somehow knows when your parcels arrive before you do.

We would also like to know a little more about you so we can better understand who is participating in this survey and interpret the results with meaningful context. This helps us see which parts of our community are represented and where we may need to do further outreach. We also ask for your details so we can ensure the feedback comes from people who live, work, or spend time in the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup, as this Framework is being developed for our community.

How to have your say:

First read the Draft Community Engagement Framework attachment on this page, then complete the survey below.

Alternatively, if you'd prefer to complete the survey by hand, download and print the Printable Survey attachment - you can also view a physical copy of the draft Framework and complete the survey in person at the following locations during open hours:

  • Shire Administration Office
  • Donnybrook Community Library
  • Balingup Public Library

Please ensure all physical submissions are returned to the Shire Administration Office by the close of the consultation period (4:00pm, Wednesday 8 April 2026)

Survey

SECTION 1 - AWARENESS & UNDERSTANDING (required)

After reading the draft Community Engagement Framework, how clear do you think its purpose is?*This field is required.

SECTION 2 - PRINCIPLES & EXPECTATIONS (required)

The Framework outlines principles such as inclusiveness, transparency, respect, and accountability. How well do these principles reflect your expectations of how the Shire should engage with the community?*This field is required.
Are there any engagement principles you feel are missing or need more emphasis?*This field is required.

SECTION 3 - ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION (required)

Based on what you read, how accessible do you think the Framework’s approach to engagement would be for people with different needs? For example, disability, work hours, digital access, etc.*This field is required.

SECTION 4 - ENGAGEMENT PROCESS & TRUST (required)

The Framework explains how the Shire plans engagement and “closes the loop” by reporting back on outcomes. How confident do you feel that your feedback would be listened to?*This field is required.

SECTION 5 - OVERALL REFLECTIONS (required)

Overall, how useful do you think the Community Engagement Framework would be in guiding how the Shire engages with the community?*This field is required.

ABOUT YOU - RESPONDENT INSIGHTS (optional)

We would like to know a little more about you so we can better understand who is participating in this survey and interpret the results with meaningful context. This helps us see which parts of our community are represented and where we may need to do further outreach. We also ask for your details so we can ensure the feedback comes from people who live, work, or spend time in the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup, as this Framework is being developed for our community.

Your personal information will remain confidential and will only be used to support the analysis of this survey and the development of the Framework.

All of the following questions are optional (you can answer some and not others).

Do you identify as Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander?
Are you involved in any local community groups and/or volunteer organisations?
Which of the following best describes you?
Which of the following best describes where you live/your current living situation?
How did you hear about this survey? Who from, and where?
How was your experience completing this survey?
 
Documents

Draft Community Engagement Framework (text only)

Printable Draft Community Engagement Framework Survey