Published on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 at 9:00:00 AM
Donnybrook Scout Hall Transformation – a win for the community and asset sustainability
The Shire of Donnybrook Balingup has completed a significant renewal of the Donnybrook Scout Hall, delivering a safer, more reliable community space and demonstrating the Shire’s commitment to renewing the assets residents rely on. The project forms part of Council’s multi‑year asset management program, which prioritises renewing existing buildings and infrastructure to reduce reactive costs, extend asset life and keep facilities open for community use.
The upgrade has been well-received by users of the hall, with the Donnybrook Scouts describing the works as a much-appreciated allocation in the Shire’s budget and noting that the essential repairs will improve safety and help care for the the building, which will continue as their home base for years to come.
Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy said the project highlights how planned asset renewal ensures rates revenue and financial reserves are used effectively, resulting in tangible upgrades to well used community facilities.
“This is a clear demonstration of Council’s commitment to maintaining the places our community relies on every week, while carefully managing asset sustainability and the Shire’s long term financial health. Renewing infrastructure at the right time avoids larger costs in future and keeps local programs running – precisely the outcomes our Asset Optimisation Project and Asset Management Plans are designed to deliver.”
Why this renewal mattered
Many parts of the Donnybrook Scout Hall building had reached the end of their useful life, and delaying repairs would have led to more breakdowns, emergency call‑outs and disruption for community groups. Renewing these components now aligns with the Shire’s long‑term Buildings Asset Management Plan and is funded through a combination of rates and asset renewal reserves in the 2025-2026 Budget, and further supported by Council’s Asset Optimisation Project (AOP).
The Shire is responsible for more than $335m in community assets, and maintaining them to an acceptable standard is an increasing challenge. Through the AOP, Council is reviewing the Shire’s asset base to ensure funds are directed toward facilities that continue to provide significant value to the community. Assets that no longer meet future needs will be assessed, and investments can be reallocated to places that serve our community well, like the Donnybrook Scout Hall.
By renewing assets before they fail, we keep community spaces safer and more reliable, reduce costly emergency repairs, and help avoid larger rate increases in the future.
You can see how rates, grants, fees and reserves are being used in the 2025-2026 Budget, and learn more about the Asset Optimisation Project, by looking at the information on our website.
2025-2026 Annual Budget Information (Latest News)
2025-2026 Budget & Rates Information (Brochure)
More about the Asset Optimisation Project (AOP)
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