President's Update - June 2026

Published on Tuesday, 23 June 2026 at 9:00:00 AM

Below is an update on recent Council activities, community highlights, and matters of local interest from Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy - this information is also featured in the Shire Connect section of the Preston Press, where we keep you informed on the latest Council news

Milestones for the new financial year

I am pleased to share that Council will soon be adopting the Council Plan 2026-2036. I would like to sincerely thank our community for their thoughtful feedback throughout its development. That input has helped shape a plan that reflects our shared vision and priorities for the years ahead. Final feedback from the most recent survey is now being considered as part of the final refinements before adoption. I look forward to presenting the finished plan to you soon.

Work on the Annual Budget is also well underway, with adoption expected mid-year. Focus is on ensuring the budget prioritises what matters most to our community – maintaining local roads, caring for our assets, investing in community facilities, and supporting services that contribute to everyday wellbeing and liveability. This work forms part of a broader commitment to strong, strategic decision-making. By aligning resources with clearly defined priorities, I believe we can strengthen transparency, accountability, and our ability to respond to changing needs and emerging opportunities.

Please note the Budget will only be final once formally adopted by Council, and rates notices will be issued shortly after.

Donnybrook Recreation Centre upgrades over halfway complete!

It is very encouraging to see continued progress at the Donnybrook Recreation Centre. The dry-side changerooms were fully renovated and reopened to the public mid-June. I would like to thank all users for your patience during these works. These upgrades are an important step in improving the quality and accessibility of this well-used community facility.

Works on the poolside changerooms have now commenced. While these changerooms will be temporarily closed during construction, the pool will remain open, with patrons able to use the newly upgraded stadium changerooms.

These improvements are expected to take several weeks. While there may be some early disruption, I am confident the finished result will deliver a significantly enhanced and more enjoyable facility for our community.

Funding secured for CCTV upgrades

I am pleased to share that approximately $10,500 in State Government funding has been secured to support CCTV upgrades at the Apple Fun Park.

This funding, awarded through the CCTV Election Commitment Grant Program, recognises Council’s proactive approach to community safety. The Apple Fun Park is one of our most popular public spaces, and this upgrade will help strengthen existing safety measures, ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming place for families, residents and visitors.

I encourage you to visit the Shire website or social media pages to see the full announcement published mid-June.

See the full announcement here

Updates for the 2026-2027 financial year

Each year, Council undertakes a range of important updates and reviews in preparation for the new financial year. This short summary highlights some of the key items for your awareness, but if you’d like to learn more, you can find a wide range of resources, documents and public notices on the Shire website.

Annual Budget & Rates Notices

Annual Budget: On track to be adopted mid-year

Rates Notices: Will be posted ASAP following the adoption of the Annual Budget. Included with your notice, you will find:

Tip Passes allocated to your property for this financial year
A brochure with information to help you understand the Annual Budget and how your rates contribute to the community
A copy of the latest Fire Prevention Order (first & final notice)
A slip for your fridge that outlines the Burning Periods and Fire Prevention Order compliance dates for our Shire, plus a list of all local Bush Fire Control Officers and their contact details

Where to view: Once adopted, the Annual Budget will be available for you to view in full via the Reports, Documents & Forms pages listed under the Council menu on the Shire website.

We’ll let you know when this is happening, so be sure to keep an eye out for updates on our website and social media pages!

See Reports, Documents & Forms

Annual Fire Prevention Order (first & final notice)

Burning Periods: The following dates were adopted by Council at the May OCM, and apply to all properties in the Shire.

Prohibited: 15 December – 31 March
Restricted: 1 – 26 April, and 1 November – 14 December
Unrestricted: 27 April – 31 October
Properties within a townsite must be maintained from 1 November to 31 March (inclusive)
Properties outside of townsites must be maintained from 15 November to 31 March (inclusive)
Shire Rangers will monitor all properties for compliance from 1 November to 31 March each year

Where to view: The Order is available on the Shire website along with other helpful resources (refer to the Fire & Emergency Management pages listed under the Services menu). A copy will also be included with your rates notice as mentioned above.

See more about Fire & Emergency Management