Published on Monday, 25 May 2026 at 3:58:07 PM
At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday 19 May 2026, Council considered a range of matters supporting local communities, services and future planning across the Shire.
Community Development Fund
It’s Community Development Fund time, and Council greatly enjoyed reviewing this year’s applications and considering which projects and groups to support.
Council resolved to support a mix of new initiatives and long standing community favourites, including the much loved Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show, which attracts many visitors to the region each year. We also agreed to support the Reef to Range Readers and Writers Festival. Now in its second year, the festival is already becoming a valued addition to the regional events calendar.
This year’s Community Development Fund supported a wide range of local groups, projects and events across the Shire, including:
• Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show
• Reef to Range Readers and Writers Festival
• Ravensthorpe District High School P&C playground upgrades
• Hopetoun Library STEM equipment
• Ravensthorpe Equestrian Club 10th Annual Gymkhana
• Ravensthorpe Tennis Club coaching and pickleball programs
• Hopetoun Clay Target Club upgrades and events
• Rave About Arts youth and family programs
• North Ravensthorpe Community Association digital reformer pilates program
• St John Ambulance Ravensthorpe security camera upgrades
• Hopetoun Progress Association Marine Week 2026
• Munglinup Football Exhibition Match
• Southerners Annual Fishing Classic
• Hopetoun Primary School P&C community events
• Windspray Arts community initiatives
• Ravensthorpe Playgroup supplies and resources
• Jerdacuttup Community Association community hall support
• Ravensthorpe CRC community events and workshops
• Hopetoun Everett Country Golf Club SELGA Championships
Council was pleased to support such a diverse range of projects that contribute to community wellbeing, recreation, arts, tourism and local connection across the Shire.
In relation to funding awarded last year, Council approved a request from the Ravensthorpe Car Club Inc for additional time to deliver its proposed Street to Strip motorsport event, along with a request from the Munglinup Golf Club Inc to redirect grant funding towards the purchase and installation of a commercial dishwasher following an insurance payout for fridge and freezer replacements.
Proposed differential rates for 2026/2027
Council endorsed the proposed differential rates for the 2026/2027 financial year as part of the draft budget process.
The proposed rates are intended to ensure a fair and equitable contribution across different property categories while supporting the delivery of essential Shire services, infrastructure and community facilities throughout the district.
Council also noted the ongoing financial impacts following the closure and reduced operations of local mining activities, including significant reductions in airport and commercial waste revenue, alongside increasing operational costs such as fuel and wages.
Council meetings are open to the public and community members are always welcome to attend. We hope to see you at a future meeting.
Cr Rachel Gibson
Shire President
Note regarding meeting recording:
Please be advised that, due to an unforeseen technical failure experienced during the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday 19 May 2026, the audio visual recording of the meeting is unavailable.
In accordance with regulation 14I(8) of the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996, relating to the electronic broadcasting and audio or video recording of council meetings under section 5.23A of the Local Government Act 1995, the recording could not be retained or made available as a result of the technical malfunction encountered during the meeting.
The Shire regrets any inconvenience caused and remains committed to maintaining transparency and compliance with legislative requirements for council meetings.
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