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

AusAlert will be ready to use in October this year, but before it launches, the system needs to be tested across Australia. That test is happening on Monday 27 July 2026 - read more here.

As part of the 2026-2027 Annual Budget, Council has endorsed the continuation of the current 3-bin waste collection system while work continues across the South West to identify a long-term processing solution for FOGO - read the full update for further details.

The Shire has successfully advocated for improved road safety outcomes in Irishtown, with Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA) supporting the introduction of a new 60km/h Urban Area Speed Zone across much of the locality - read the full story here.

Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy has shared an update regarding our financial sustainability journey and the adoption of the 2026-2027 Budget - read the full message here.

Here is the Shire President’s Recap of the Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) that was held on Wednesday 24 June 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.

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

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

We want to hear from you! Following the Storm event on 30 May to 1 June 2026 – the WA Day long weekend – our Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) wants to know how we can better support our community during future emergencies.

The Shire is pleased to share that it has secured State Government funding to support CCTV upgrades at the Apple Fun Park in Donnybrook - read more for further details.

Whether you enjoy walking, hiking, mountain biking, gravel cycling, horse riding, paddling, four-wheel driving or simply exploring the outdoors, we want to hear from you.

We're pleased to share that our phone systems are back to normal. Thank you for your cooperation!

The 2026-2027 Schedule of Fees & Charges was adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting held 27 May 2026, and as per Council Resolution 81/05-26, will be in effect from Wednesday 1 July 2026.

Here is the Shire President’s Recap of the Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) that was held on Wednesday 27 May 2026, where Council made decisions relating to a 5-year Forward Roadworks Program, the 2026-2027 Fire Prevention Order, a Development Application for a Pine Plantation in Noggerup, the Council Plan 2026-2036, and more.

Community members from across the Shire came together on Wednesday 20 May for a celebration at the VC Mitchell Park (VCMP) Community Club for National Volunteer Week 2026, with this year’s theme being Your Year to Volunteer. Read the full story + see photos here!

Please be advised that our Shire Rangers will be participating in training activities at the Egan Park Oval in Donnybrook on Friday 5 June 2026. These activities are being conducted with an accredited dog trainer and will include a number of dogs being exercised off-lead for training purposes (read more for further information)

The Shire President and CEO extend a sincere thanks to local emergency service teams, Shire Works staff, essential service providers and community members for their swift and dedicated response to the severe weather event that impacted the region over the WA Day long weekend.

We hope everyone is still in one piece after the wild weather over the long weekend! This is just one example of how taking a little time to care for your trees helps support a safe and well-maintained community.

Did you know? Heating and cooling make up around 40% of the average home’s energy use, while appliances and equipment account for another 30%. That’s a big opportunity to save energy and money with just a few smart changes

The draft Plan has been developed with the community, for the community – and now we want to hear from you! You can help shape the future of our district in just 15 minutes. Consultation Close: 4:00pm, Friday 19 June 2026