The public comment period has now closed, thank you to everyone who contributed and helped shape the future direction of economic development and tourism across our Shire!

Preparing your home and property before fire season is one of the most effective ways to reduce bushfire risk. Have you completed your fire season property check yet?

Have you included your pets and livestock in your bushfire plan? During an emergency, planning ahead is the best way to keep animals safe and reduce stress when every minute counts.

If you need to leave quickly during an emergency, having an emergency kit prepared can save valuable time. This week, take the time to create or review your emergency kit - plus, join a FREE community info session coming up this month!

Knowing the Fire Danger Rating (FDR) for your area can help you make informed decisions before a bushfire starts. Being aware of today's conditions could make all the difference tomorrow.

Read a message from Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy regarding the Donnybrook Medical Centre Site

Introducing Get Ready Week, a brand new Shire initiative launching this year! As we head towards fire season, we're encouraging all residents to take simple, practical steps to prepare their homes, families and properties.

Here is the Shire President’s Recap of the Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) that was held on Wednesday 26 August 2026, where Council made decisions relating to a Development Application for works in Mumballup, unconstructed Road Parcels in Balingup, an event application for Dark Down South, lease arrangements for the Donnybrook Medical Centre, and more.

This matter was raised at the Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) held on Wednesday 23 September 2026, where Council approved a 12-month arrangement that will serve as a “holdover period” - read more for further details.

We've heard your feedback! Consultation for this item has been extended by 1x week - responses are now due by Wednesday 7 October 2026

The Shire is aware of community discussion regarding the future of the medical centre premises at 41 Bentley Street (Donnybrook Medical Centre) and would like to clarify the matter currently before Council - see full details here.

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 - read the full story here to learn more.

UPDATE: They have successfully been repaired and are now available for public use again! Thank you for your cooperation

The Strategy will provide long-term direction to support sustainable economic growth, attract investment, and strengthen tourism across the district. Council is now inviting public comment on the draft before it is finalised and presented for adoption. This is your opportunity to review the draft document and provide feedback on its proposed priorities and actions.

The Shire periodically reviews all of its emergency services appliances and resource allocations in preparation for the fire season. Learn more about what is and isn't changing from our latest review.

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!

Treatment will be taking place throughout September on Shire-managed road verges across the district - read more for further details.

Students, staff, community members and project partners gathered at Donnybrook District High School (DDHS) on 4 August 2026 to celebrate the official opening of Danjoo Koorliny, the Community Yarning Circle – a significant new space dedicated to cultural learning, connection and belonging.

Works are taking place from Tuesday 8 to Thursday 10 September 2026 (inclusive) - read more for further details.

Here is the Shire President’s Recap of the Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) that was held on Wednesday 26 August 2026, where Council made decisions relating to the Shire's response to the MRWA Draft Speed Zoning Policy, an event application for Smashed Avo Festival 2026, the Community Housing Review, ICT Strategy + Roadmap, and more.

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 - read this post to learn more about the subject.

Read Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy’s community update for August 2026, also featured in the Shire Connect for the upcoming Preston Press

Cat management is not solely the responsibility of Rangers or animal welfare organisations. Do you know your responsibilities?

We all know someone who always says, "I'll help" - and now it's our turn to give back. Celebrate their contribution by nominating them for the 2027 Community Citizen of the Year Awards!

Great news for Balingup Library lovers! From the week starting Monday 21 September 2026, Balingup Public Library will be reverting back to their original opening hours

Here is the Shire President’s Recap of the Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) that was held on Wednesday 22 July 2026, where Council made decisions relating to the Local Planning Strategy, the write-off of rates for FPC properties and the BADTA, an offer to purchase land in Donnybrook, the Workforce Plan, and more.

Tree maintenance works at the Apple Fun Park and Station Square in Donnybrook are scheduled from 7:30am on Wednesday 29 July 2026 - read more for further details about possible interruptions (minor).

Read more about the waterwise garden works we just did in Donnybrook!

Read Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy’s community update for July 2026, also featured in the Shire Connect for the upcoming Preston Press

We're continuing with our annual Winter Maintenance Program, no new works are scheduled for this month