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Welcome to the Project Update

The Proposed Donnybrook Heritage and Arts Building Project (temporary name)

July 7, 2022

Press release from DBRRA.

Exciting times ahead for our region bringing history and culture together.

Brad Fowler and Neville Fry, Long-time friends and founding members of the Donnybrook Balingup Ratepayers & Residents Association Inc (DBRRA), have received approval from the DBRRA Executive, to begin planning works on an exciting new multi-million-dollar community project. One that will benefit the whole Shire and wider region.

  • The proposal is for the development of a new building to showcase our history and arts.
  • The Donnybrook Historical Society is excited to join us in making this a reality.
  • A steering committee is being formed, and conceptual designs are already arriving.

Although a site has not yet been secured, the preferred site would be in the heart of our Donnybrook Heritage Precinct.

There will be opportunities for other stakeholders/community groups to become part of this Centre.

And whilst we are in the early stages of planning, the excitement in the community is already building.

With the generous financial support from Mr. and Mrs. Fry from Crendon Machinery will allow this project to come to life.

 Other Projects Funded by Mr. & Mrs. Fry

  1. The Original Donnybrook Apple Fun Park.
  2. The Hall at the Anglican Church.
  3. The Donnybrook Football Club kitchen extension and fit out.
  4. The Bowling Club.
  5. Various other clubs and groups within the community.

Brad Fowlers experience in project management and design will ensure a smooth transition from concept to project completion.

DBRRA’s role will be to keep the community informed, along with coordination of the many skilled volunteers and Project Management. Volunteers are already stepping forward to offer specialized skills to ensure the project is a success.

The community members will be the ones to decide on the most preferred site and building design subject to budget and availability. Utilizing the skills and passion of an engaged community through voluntary participation.

This exciting project will benefit our entire region.

Concept Drawings have been supplied by Auspan.

The Proposed Donnybrook Heritage and Arts Building Project

Project Concept with 3D Drawings

  • 3D Concept drawings
  • 2D Concept Layout drawings
  • Project Build timeline
  • Project Budget

Cost to the community $0.00

How much has the CEO and his VC Mitchell Park design team spent to date?

$350,000 + of Ratepayers Money

What have we got in 4 years?

Nothing

Timeline of the Project

1st July 2022.

Mr. Fry requested some drawings of Lot 605 Collins Street from the Shires planning department just so he could start some preliminary concept designs.

  • Mr. Fry did not receive any drawings.
  • Did the CEO instruct his staff to not give Mr. Fry any information?

17th August 2022.

The inaugural Projects Sub-Committee meeting.

14th of September 2022.

A meeting was convened with the Shire President Leanne Wringe, CEO Ben Rose, Manager of Shire Operations Steve Potter, Chairman of DBRRA Projects Sub-Committee Angelo Logiudice and President of the Donnybrook Arts and Crafts Group Carolyn Flynn.

14th of September 2022.

2nd DBRRA Projects Sub-Committee meeting

20th of September 2022.

Angelo Logiudice,

Chairman, DBRRA Projects Sub-Committee.

Sent a Formal Land Request Proposal to Shire CEO Ben Rose.

This is part of the email request.

The DBRRA sub-committee inclusive of the Historical Society and the Donnybrook Arts and Craft Group formally request the allocation of Shire land Lot 605 Collins Street Donnybrook, for the purpose of building the Donnybrook Heritage and Arts building, land lease to be determined (peppercorn lease preferred).

24th of September 2022.

Email from CEO

Good afternoon, Angelo,

Shire staff are in the process of reviewing the preliminary information you have supplied. One question that has arisen is around the licensed valuation of the subject site. When considering proposals that include a land transaction element (sale, lease or licence), the Shire is required to consider a licensed land valuation as part of its formal decision-making process (I know you already understand this, from your time on Council). If there is a decision to proceed with the land transaction, the normal statutory consultation process as per the LG Act would commence. To aid Shire/Council decision making on the proposal, I propose that the Shire procure a licensed land valuation and recoup the costs from DBRRA (likely to be in the order of $2k-$3k). If you are agreeable to this arrangement, I can procure a licensed valuer this week. Can you please advise if you approve of this recoup arrangement, thanks.

Best regards, Ben.

DBRRA Questions.

Why would council want to get a valuation of Lot 605 Collins Street Donnybrook?

  1. Council haven't decided if the Lot 605 Collins Street Donnybrook is available or suitable.
  2. The ratepayers already own Lot 605 Collins Street Donnybrook?
  3. Lot 605 Collins Street would increase in value after a $3 Million building project.
Is this a delaying tactic by the CEO?

7th of November 2022.

10:00am: Shire President Cr Wringe had her first meeting with Mr. Fry.

Mr. Fry posts on Facebook purely out of frustration that the Shire Admin & Councilors have shown no interest in this project.

The proponents Dyanne & Neville Fry have decided to put a deadline for approval for the proposed site by 18-11-2022 or we are withdrawing the donation of the building. We are not prepared to be treated in the way we are for any longer.

10th of November 2022.

Angelo Logiudice,

Chairman, DBRRA Projects Sub-Committee.


Received another email from Ben Rose regarding the valuation of Lot 605 Collins Street Donnybrook. 


12th of November 2022.
  • Councilors still have not received any information or even a briefing from the CEO regarding this project.
17th of November 2022.

3rd  DBRRA Projects Sub-Committee meeting.



Donnybrook Balingup Ratepayers & Residents Assoc Inc, is a non-profit organization. PO Box 719, Donnybrook, WA 6239                           Copyright © 2021 Donnybrook Balingup Ratepayers & Residents Association - All Rights Reserved

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