14 October 2022

Shire President Update

What an incredible weekend we had at this year’s Denison Foreshore Sprint and Midwest Show and Shine with over 7000 people joining in the festivities.

We were treated to a remarkable display of driver skill in the timed racing event and saw some spectacular vehicles on show at the Midwest Show and Shine. The new addition of the Hardwired Entertainment Harley Davidson Stunt Team also proved to be very popular.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Shire staff who worked tirelessly to facilitate and organise this event – their efforts are truly commendable. This is a significant event for the Shire that brings considerable economic benefits to the region.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s event so successful – the organising committee, participants, staff who gave up their weekend to help, the volunteers, marshals, track officials, spectators, and of course, the sponsors.

Our 2022 Denison Foreshore Sprint and Midwest Show and Shine was the biggest one yet, made possible thanks to the support of the Australian Sports Commission, SportAus and 65Thirty Events & Entertainment.

To cater for the influx of visitors to town the overflow camping was opened for the long weekend. It was wonderful to see local businesses benefiting from another busy school holiday period.

Last weekend I had the honour of joining the Irwin Districts Historical Society in welcoming members of the Sikh Association of WA to town.

The Shire of Irwin is an area rich in Sikh heritage, with one man in particular Sojan Singh playing a remarkable role in the history of the region.

The Association toured heritage sites of significance and then prepared a beautiful lunch that was enjoyed by all.

Welcome!

We would like to welcome and introduce Peter Bracegirdle our new Manager of Community Services.

The Manager of Community Services is responsible for community development, recreational services, customer service and the community ranger service.

Peter has previously worked for the City of Swan, the Shire's of Ashburton and Wyndham East Kimberley and the City of Wanneroo in a variety of leadership roles. Most recently he was employed as the community development coordinator in a very challenging role for the Wesley Lifeforce (suicide prevention) organisation.

If you see Peter out and about be sure to say hello - he is happy to talk anything West Coast Eagles related (even after the 2022 season!)

Time to install FIREBREAKS!

We have had another wet Winter, which means fuel loads are going to be heavy this Summer.

NOW is the time to install your firebreak.

Firebreaks are used to help minimise or stop the rapid spread of bushfires by having a gap in the vegetation down to soil level, in which fire is unable to easily leap over or creep across.  Effective firebreaks help reduce the risk of fires entering or leaving your property.  They can take many forms and can be created by ploughing the soil in strips and removing vegetation.

Well-maintained firebreaks mean our firefighting crews can access your property and deal with a bushfire emergency safely and efficiently.

Firebreaks must be installed and maintained clear of flammable materials from 28 OCTOBER 2022 up to and including 15 APRIL 2023.

To view the Firebreak Notice visit www.irwin.wa.gov.au/environment-and-emergency-management/bushfire-management

You can also help by preparing your home early by cleaning gutters, trimming back trees and by maintaining a low vegetation buffer around your house and outbuildings.

For more information on preparing your home for bushfire season visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/site/bushfire/overview.htm

Know Someone Great?

Nominations are now open for the Community Citizen of the Year Awards!

The awards recognise individuals and organisations making a notable contribution to their community.

For more information on the awards visit www.citizenshipawards.com.au

Nominations close on Monday October 31 and can be submitted online www.irwin.wa.gov.au/community-and-recreation/australia-day or you can complete the copy in the Local Rag and deliver to the Shire Administration Building.

For any queries, please contact Lee at the Shire on 9927 0000.

Industry Update

Did you know? Mitsui E&P Australia (MEPAU) contributes more than $7 million a year to the Mid West economy.

They do this through local employment, contracting to local businesses and community partnerships

If you are interested in working with Mitsui E&P Australia (MEPAU) or would like some information on how they may be able to help your community organisation visit www.mitsuiepmidwest.com.au/our-community-commitment/

Click here to download the Septmber Community News