Potential new community hub in Donnybrook to house vital services in vacant Donnybrook Shire building

Several local groups within Donnybrook are currently working together to provide a space to support community services in one of the shire’s vacant buildings in the heart of town, boosting the town’s vitality. The Donnybrook Community Resource Centre will co-occupy the new “centrally located” premises at 616 Reserve Street alongside a potential youth hub that will deliver well being services to Donnybrook’s young people. The project was originally driven by Blackwood Youth Action in collaboration with students from Donnybrook District High School and the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup however, BYA have now taken a support role on the project according to manager Lisa Burgess. “We want to support them in providing a similar youth service in Donnybrook to the one we currently provide in Bridgetown and Manjimup, including with funding opportunities, incorporating and sharing governance documents,” she said. Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup senior community engagement officer and project facilitator Susie Delaporte said the project is currently regrouping after the news that BYA would be stepping back into a support role. “We’re regrouping at the moment but we certainly want a youth service project to still go ahead,” she said. “It’s being driven by the youth of Donnybrook... they’re determined to make it work.” Ms Delaporte said she hopes for there to be a significant amount of collaboration with the DCRC, which is a fantastic opportunity in itself for Donnybrook youth to learn about community building. Expressions of Interest for the vacant building were advertised to the public from May 8 to June 5. Three submissions were received, with the other being the Donnybrook Veteran Car Club who have also been given the opportunity to move into the space to co-occupy following more detailed negotiation between the community groups.