Shire President Update

There has been plenty happening across the Shire of Irwin, with community partnerships, public safety and preparations for the upcoming bushfire season among our key priorities.

Firstly at last month’s Council meeting, we officially welcomed Cr Tom Coffey, who was sworn in at the October Ordinary Council Meeting.

Cr Coffey’s appointment comes following the resignation of Cr Lesley Berecz, he fills the vacancy as the first eligible candidate available to backfill the position from the October 2025 Council election. I want to acknowledge Lesley’s contribution and thank her for her service and commitment to our community. We wish her all the best for the future and look forward to working with Tom in his new role.

I am pleased to share some positive news for families using the Dongara Skate Park. Dongara Men in Sheds has generously committed up to $100,000 towards a new toilet facility at the skate park. The Shire will support the project through in-kind contributions, including site preparation, water and electrical supply works.

While final costs and site requirements are still being confirmed, a preliminary proposal places the accessible facility near the recently installed skate park shelter. This will be such a valuable addition to the Skate Park, access to toilets will make the area more comfortable and welcoming, encouraging families to stay longer and enjoy the space.

We sincerely thank Dongara Men in Sheds for their support of this important community project.

As we enter bushfire season, I would like to reinforce the importance of being prepared for emergencies.

Last weekend, the Shire’s Community Emergency Services Manager, Mick Antony, led a practical workshop with Dongara Denison Volunteer Fire Brigade to help women build confidence and skills to protect themselves and their families.

Participants learnt about home fire escape plans, bushfire preparation, emergency information and the use of fire extinguishers and fire blankets.

I would like to congratulate everyone involved in delivering this valuable initiative.

This month the Shire undertook extensive fire mitigation works, this has included planned burns at selected locations across the Shire and slashing, vegetation maintenance and mulching along the river walk trails and throughout Dongara–Denison.

Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, and I encourage all residents to check their properties and ensure firebreaks are installed and maintained clear of flammable material through to 15 May 2027. Firebreaks help reduce the spread of fire and allow emergency crews to access properties more safely and efficiently. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Please also take time to clean gutters, trim overhanging branches and maintain a low-vegetation buffer around homes and outbuildings.

You can find the Shire’s Firebreak Notice at irwin.wa.gov.au/firebreaks and further bushfire preparedness advice at dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/bushfire

Thank you to our community groups, volunteers and residents who continue to contribute to a safer, stronger and more connected Shire of Irwin.

CR Isabelle Scott