10 October 2023

Shire President Update

This year's Denison Foreshore Sprint and Midwest Show and Shine was another amazing event with around 7000 enthusiastic participants joining in the festivities.

We were treated to an awe-inspiring showcase of driving prowess during the timed racing event and saw an array of stunning vehicles on display at the Midwest Show and Shine. The Hardwired Entertainment Harley Davidson and BMX stunt team were a resounding success and once again a crowd favourite.

I'd like to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this year's event a resounding success, including the organizing committee, participants, the dedicated staff who sacrificed their weekends to assist, the invaluable volunteers, diligent marshals, track officials, enthusiastic spectators, and, of course, our generous sponsors.

Thanks also must go to our dedicated Shire staff who have worked tirelessly over the past few months to facilitate and organize this event; their dedication is truly commendable. This event holds significant importance for the Shire, as it brings substantial economic benefits to the region.

The 2023 Denison Foreshore Sprint and Midwest Show and Shine was made possible by the invaluable support of Tourism WA and 65Thirty Events & Entertainment.

To accommodate the influx of visitors to our town, we once again opened overflow camping for the long weekend, and it was heartening to witness the Shire thriving during another bustling school holiday period.

You are invited to join industry leaders and local businesses at the 2023 Shire of Irwin Industry Expo on Wednesday, October 11 at the Irwin Recreation Centre.

As you are no doubt aware our region is currently riding a wave of rapid economic expansion with an unprecedented volume of significant industry projects progressing or being developed within our Shire.

Council has been working hard to ensure that the interests of industry align with the interests of our community, to ensure that every person within the Shire benefits, that we conserve our natural environment, and foster collaborative solutions.

This event is a one-stop opportunity to get all your questions answered and gain insights into the exciting developments and opportunities happening within our region.

There will be two sessions to allow as many people to attend as possible – the first will be from 10am to 1pm and the afternoon session will run from 4 to 7.30pm.  

Council News

This election the Shire of Irwin was required by the Department of Local Government to reduce the number of Councillors from 8 to 7, meaning only 3 positions were available.

As we only received 3 Councillor nominations, all positions were filled and therefore no election is required this year.

The incoming Councillors are Andrew Gillam (re-elected), Hayley Palmer (re-elected) and we welcome Peter Summers.

Congratulations to our returning and new Councillors.

Time to install FIREBREAKS!

With heavy fuel loads, our fire risk is once again going to be high 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 29 OCTOBER 2023 up to and including 15 APRIL 2024.

To view the Firebreak Notice visit here.

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 here.

2024 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards 

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

The Shire of Irwin invites you to nominate an outstanding local hero or group for one of the Community Citizen of the Year Awards to be presented on Australia Day Thursday 26 January 2023.

The awards foster, recognise and celebrate significant contributions to community life and active citizenship. The recipients will be selected from people and groups who have made a noteworthy contribution to the local community.

For more information on the awards visit here.

Nominations close on October 31 and can be submitted online here or at the Shire Administration Building.

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

Download this month's Community Update here