26 March 2024

Shire President Update

With just one month to go in this year’s Dongara Denison Drive-In season I thought it was a good time to reflect on this unique asset we have in our Shire and the incredible people who have kept it operating for over a decade.

Established in 1967, the Dongara Denison Drive-In remains one of only three operational drive-ins in Western Australia.

Since 2009, it has been managed by volunteers primarily from the Dongara Denison Surf Club, notably Rod Owen and Fiona Cockman (pictured below).

Throughout the years, various community groups, including the Lions, Soroptimists, the Dongara Pottery Club, the Dongara District High School P&C and numerous sporting clubs have provided invaluable assistance and raised funds for their various projects to the benefit of our community. However, the surf club, with Rod and Fiona at the forefront, has been the driving force with proceeds reinvested into the Dongara Denison Surf Club, supporting club events and water safety training for up to 90 kids every week.

After last year’s unfortunate shut down due to technical problems, operational responsibilities have shifted from local clubs to the Shire, however we have appreciated the continued support we have received this season from community groups.

The Dongara Denison Drive-In is more than just a movie venue; it serves as a vital hub for community engagement and support. As the season draws to a close, I would like to acknowledge and commend the volunteers whose efforts have sustained this valued asset, enriching our community in the process.

Last year we successfully applied for a Local Government Resilience Fund grant through the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The fund enabled the 16 local governments impacted by Cyclone Seroja to undertake works to improve the resilience of evacuation facilities and other community infrastructure, or to improve the resilience within the community.

With the funding we have recently purchased portable and static community message boards, mobile traffic lights and a trailer mounted generator.

The message boards will be deployed during an emergency to provide public information relating to potential, forecasted or current hazards within our community. The message board can also be deployed to evacuation centres, incident control centres and forward operations points.

The mobile traffic lights can be used during emergency situations requiring road closures and control and the trailer mounted generator will be deployed to any key community infrastructure to support emergency incidents and recovery operations both within the Shire or to support a neighbouring Shire.

Hopefully we will never have to deploy these tools but we are grateful to DFES that we have been able to expand our arsenal should the need ever arise.

Council News

Due to the departure of Councillor Hayley Palmer we will be holding an extraordinary local government election on May 17.

If you are passionate about the future direction of the Shire and keen to give back to your community why not nominate for Council?

Nominations open on March 27 and close on April 3.

To be eligible to nominate as a candidate you must be registered as an elector in the Shire of Irwin and aged over 18 years.

This extraordinary local government election will be conducted via a postal vote, postal election packages (ballots) will be mailed out around 4 weeks before the election day.

Completed ballots must be returned to the WA Electoral Commission by 6pm on election day. Ballots received after this time won’t be counted. If it’s too late to post, you can hand deliver your election package to the Shire Admin office on election day.

If you misplace or damage your postal election package, you can visit the Shire Admin office for a replacement package. Don’t forget to bring your ID.

For more information on local government elections, nominating for Council or for a nomination form visit here.

Industry News

Last month, a successful CO2 Injection Assessment was completed at the Dongara Production Facility, the initial stage of the Cygnus Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Hub, a project by Mitsui E&P Australia (MEPAU) and Kwinana-based Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers (WesCEF).

The project aims to permanently store CO2 produced at industrial facilities, such as WesCEF’s ammonia manufacturing plant, in depleted reservoirs, helping reduce emissions as well as supporting the decarbonisation of their operations.

Easter Overflow Camping

To accommodate the influx of visitors over the Easter long weekend,

overflow camping facilities will be available at the Dongara Town Oval from Thursday March 28 at 12pm until Tuesday April 2.

Fees will be charged at $30 per family or $15 per person per night, with the Ranger attending daily to collect fees.

Please call 9927 0000 or email reception@irwin.wa.gov.au for further information.

Easter Closures

The Shire of Irwin advises of the following Easter closures

Shire Admin Office, Visitors Centre and Library

Easter Good Friday - Closed

Saturday March 30 – Open 9am to 12pm

Sunday March 31 - Closed

Monday April 1 - Closed

Rec Centre closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. The 24 hour gym will be accessible.

Transfer Station and Containers for Change

Good Friday – CDS and Transfer Station closed.

Easter Saturday March 30 – CDS and Transfer Station open as per normal 9 am till 2 pm

Easter Sunday March 30  – Transfer open 9 am till 2 pm. CDS Closed

Easter Monday April 1 – Transfer Station open 9 am till 2 pm. CDS Closed

Rubbish Collection will continue as per normal

Easter Overflow Camping Open

To accommodate the influx of visitors over the Easter long weekend, overflow camping facilities will be available at the Dongara Town Oval from Thursday March 28 at 12pm until Tuesday April 2.

Fees will be charged at $30 per family or $15 per person per night, with the Ranger attending daily to collect fees.

Please call 9927 0000 or email reception@irwin.wa.gov.au for further information.

We hope you have a wonderful Easter!

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