Well, we’ve blinked and all of sudden 2018 has flashed before our eyes! It’s been an exciting year across the Shire with many people enjoying a full Lake Dumbleyung over the 2017/18 summer – water skiing, wakeboarding and a Dumbleyung Sailing Club Sundowner to cap off a great summer at the Lake!

February not only saw children return to school but local Margie Ward carried the Commonwealth Games baton during its time in regional WA and over 90 students from Kukerin, Dumbleyung and Nyabing participated in swimming lessons ready for their upcoming carnival! March was jam packed with the annual Wagin Woolorama, Harmony Festival in Katanning and International Women’s Day morning tea at the CRC plus a local wedding at the Lakeview Golf Club for Mr Andrew Shepherd and Mrs Ylana Shepherd (nee. Bairstow).

Taste of Dumbleyung brought the community together in April with live music from Jonny Taylor, a variety of stalls and the inaugural BBQ Masters Cooking Competition! Many enjoyed their school holidays and Easter break at the newly installed bouncing pillow in Kukerin before starting another busy seeding season.

The meeting room at the CRC was kept busy with WANSLEA parenting classes in May and June and MAYyouDARE was back with Howie Ward taking out the top spot and receiving the greatest donations – resulting with him eating a witchetty grub, which was made possible thanks to Wuddi Cultural Tours. The first ‘Shop Local Campaign’ was born in June for an end of financial year reminder to shop and support local! Local and running athlete, Adele Smith also travelled to Vanuatu and returned home with a bronze medal in the 400m – we’re still in awe of this amazing achievement! Well done Adele!

July was big with a public meeting of Live Export in neighbouring town Katanning and local police officer Sergeant Alby Van Den Berg visiting both Kukerin and Dumbleyung Primary Schools to present Cyber Safety session with both parents and students. A celebrity rolled into town in August, as Jonny Cash made an appearance at the Dumbleyung Town Hall! A sell out event many locals and visitors enjoyed the evening with hits including ‘Burning Ring of Fire’ and ‘Jackson’.

August saw the beginning of many finals being played including the Lake Grace Kukerin Hockey Club who won their grand final – well done Souths! Souths also had their very first men’s team who also won their grand final! The Kukerin Dumbleyung Football Club also hosted the UPPER Great Southern Football League Annual dinner and Leo Graham Medal Vote Count – congratulations again to newly inducted life member local Graham (Spock) Taylor.

Kukerin hosted yet another fantastic Creekbed and Burnout Competition with record numbers through the gate! Local Shane Timperley took out top spot in the two wheel drive division and Nick Green placed third in the four wheel drive division – can they go back to back in 2019?

Another win for the Shire was when the Shire of Dumbleyung won the Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards in the Heritage and Culture Category! An awesome achievement by all in the community! Spring had sprung in September with beautiful and diverse wildflowers in bloom at Tarin Rock and a large crowd attending a wildflower walk organised by Dumbleyung Landcare and Yolanda Keeble (currently compiling a book about the windflowers of Tarin Rock).

The sporting community across Dumbleyung gathered at the Dumbleyung Town Hall and were greeted by Carmen Miranda Electra Meandes Left-eye Lopez (aka Pip Gooding) at the ‘Cuban Club’ annual Winter Sports Wind Up. Parents started a 6 week ‘Circle of Security’ Parenting Program at the CRC and the CRC turned 3 with a big birthday party for everyone in the community to attend and enjoy!

Summer sports returned in November with bowls, cricket and tennis back in full swing! Also in full swing was harvest – with many still harvesting as you read this! November and December can be quiet with a busy harvest season but lots has still been happening from the opening of the Dumbleyung Mini Mall and water fitness classes back at the Dumbleyung Pool!
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All in all it’s been a busy and exciting 2018! On behalf of the Dumbleyung CRC we wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year season! We look forward to an exciting year in 2019 and continuing to be your community hub!

Santa found time in his very busy schedule to visit the Dumbleyung CRC on Tuesday December 17 with over 25 children participating in Christmas Craft and another 25 excitingly seeing Santa to have a photo taken!

Children made mini Christmas trees, Santa’s, reindeers and even made delicious chocolate reindeers, which they were able to take home and enjoy! A massive thank you to Austin James Photography for capturing the Santa images and to Santa himself for volunteering his time!

Santa’s elves must have been doing a great job at the North Pole with Santa finding enough time in his day to have a photo with CRC staff and enjoy a coffee at along came Henry café.

The West Australian Photographic Federation has released its 2018 photography and writing prize publication. Photographers were requested to submit photos for consideration and once the finalists were chosen these photos were posted on their website. Writers were then invited to write on their chosen photographic subject.
 
Christine Bairstow, Dumbleyung local and member of the Wagin Camera and Photography Club, submitted a photo called “Sheep in the dust“ and was subsequently chosen as one of the top 20 finalists.
 
A brilliant photo and it was selected to become the cover of the 2018 prize production – an awesome achievement!
 
The talents of the Barstow’s don’t stop with Christine. Christine’s daughter, Laura Bairstow, who is now working in Queensland is a talented writer who once won the coveted ABC’s Haywire Prize for rural writings. Laura chose also to enter this competition, selecting a photo and writing a piece of work for the chosen image. Laura’s writing was also recognised which saw her also being selected as a finalist. Laura‘s selection of photo subject was eventually awarded second place and so both Laura and Christine‘s works appear in this year’s publication.
 
Congratulations to this mother daughter combination for sharing their talents.

Diary of a trainee!
In mid-2017 I happened to come across an advert for an 18 month business traineeship at the Dumbleyung Community Resource Centre (CRC) completing a Certificate III in Business. Next thing I knew, I had applied for the job, had the interview, and was then successful in getting the job - exciting times ahead!

At the time I was studying a Certificate III in Aged Care, working as a part time nanny and doing other odd jobs round the town! I had never studied business and I wasn’t the most ‘tech savvy’ person you would come across and though I came into the role not really knowing what to expect, I was very excited to learn new things!

Over the 18 months I have made mistakes and learnt from them, learnt completely new things and had moments where you just can’t help but laugh - Ally can vouch for me on that! One that comes to mind is when I had printed numerous copies for a customer and proceeded to laminate them, however, I accidentally copied and laminated all the wrong documents! A small mistake in hindsight but as I was new to the role I felt so bad! After much reassurance I realised that there are much worse scenarios and we were able to re print, laminate and complete the job for the customer.

The traineeship has provided me with an opportunity to learn so much in business and professional life. It’s also been an incredible opportunity to learn and grow locally, being able to stay home and study rather than leaving the town. My Certificate III in Business was challenging but with help and on the job learning I was able to complete my Certificate early!

I have learnt not only computing knowledge but so many things including general day to day business processes and procedures, how to write professional emails, record data, create flyers and brochures for our events. I have created business cards for locals, flyers for their advertisements and so much more! I’ve also been fortunate to gain experience in running events for the CRC, flying solo behind the desk learn to use different business equipment - one that comes to mind is the paper folding machine. I previously used to fold countless pieces of paper for our mail drop but it turns out this paper folding machine does it all for me in minutes - talk about time saving! I learnt how to do the Quack Chat both online and as a hardcopy on Wednesdays and with a bit of help I got there and became to enjoy collating the weekly news publication.

I celebrated two birthdays at the CRC, of which included computer pranks and lots of streamers and balloons at my desk. Though it did take me a while to clue into what prank Ally had pulled, I finally figured it out! Pranks aside, I’ve been fortunate to walk with some great people who have helped me in all aspects of my traineeship. I’ve made lifelong friendships with each and every one and am very lucky and appreciative to be walking away with so much more knowledge and great friends!

If you are thinking about doing a traineeship (whether it be here in Dumbleyung or elsewhere), I highly recommend doing so. The traineeship at the Dumbleyung CRC was a good mix of both work and study where I learnt so much and meet some truly wonderful people on the way!
By Paige Morris

The Dumbleyung Junior Tennis Tournament of 2018 (sponsored by Clem Henry Shearing) was held on Saturday December 8. This small local event is a wonderful opportunity for our up and coming tennis players to take to the grass courts and have a go at a competition.  Each year we have plenty of first time competition players, even in our 18 and under mixed section we had some beginner players. This creates a very welcoming and humbling experience for everyone.

Carmen had a parent come in after helping to umpire the game to say how supportive and encouraging the seasoned competitive players were to their opposition which is so good to hear. She also had a laugh with a young 16 year old saying how it is actually rather hard work losing each game, and then send him out to play in the knockout singles to finish off the day.

Thank you to the Dumbleyung Tennis Club for the wonderful facilities and to Sunsmart and Healthways for sponsorship. Carmen Bairstow and Tara Ball deserve thanks for organising the day, including the catering, set up and pack away. Special mention to Dave Wall of the Dumbleyung Shire for the superb grounds and to Beth Bartram for running junior tennis coaching, teaching the young players the game of tennis leading up to our tournament.

Thank you also to the parents on the day helping in the kitchen, umpiring on the court and supporting the young players. A huge thank you to the players; you all enjoyed the day and there was some awesome tennis played with some results coming down to one game between Champion and Runner-up.  There was a decider on a short deuce, 5 all set with no tie breaker, cannot get much closer than that. 
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Results are as below,
18 and under Mixed Doubles Champions Michael Cowcher and Danee Bairstow, Runner-up Josh Pearce and Jorja Kirby.
13/U Boys Doubles Champions Blair Ball and Jed Kowald, Runner-up Shaun and James Shackley.
11/U Boys Doubles Champions Charlie Holt and Jay Hayes, Runner-up Fletcher Ball and Alby Kowald.
13/U Girls Doubles Champions Clair Faulkner and Olivia Rintoul, Runner-up Maddie Andrews and Kira Pearce.
11/U Girls Doubles Champions Jasmine Cronin and Elise Andrews, Runner-up Hannah Cronin and Bronte Longmuir.
18/U Boys Singles Champion Michael Cowcher, Runner-up Josh Pearce.
18/U Girls Singles Champion Jorja Kirby, Runner-up Holly Dowling.
13/U Boys Singles Champion Jed Kowald, Runner-up Shaun Shackley.
13/U Girls Singles Champion Clair Faulkner, Runner-up Maddie Andrews.
11/U Boys Singles Champion Charlie Holt, Runner-up Alby Kowald.
11/U Girls Singles Champion Elise Andrews, Runner-up Jasmine Cronin.
Friday night social tennis will be on for the final time this year this Friday (21/12) from 5pm. Tennis resumes in early February with the Lawn Classic on the 16th and 17th February.
Article by T. Ball and C. Bairstow

Last Saturday December 15, Kukerin hosted Newdegate in the final game of pennants before the Christmas/ New Year break. In a very important fixture for both clubs, a highly contested game was anticipated and this was the eventual result. The game began with a fairly strong breeze blowing down the green which was challenging for all players.  Kukerin jumped away to a good beginning on two rinks while the other two began in very close contests. As the afternoon wore on the strong breeze became very blustery and changeable which made things very difficult and at times almost impossible to keep bowls on the rink. In this period of time Newdegate came back strongly on the two rinks that were in trouble early and gained control on one whilst the fourth rink was still very close.  At the end of the game Kukerin managed to win three rinks to one and a 7—1 win.  Pennants resumes mid-February with some very interesting games to complete the home and away season.

Congratulations to Bev Davidson and Deb Smith who travelled up to Perth last week to play in the W.A. Ladies State Bowls Championships.  They played very good bowls and made their way into the final, but unfortunately lost by the narrow margin of one shot after being at 14—14 with the last end to be played.

Sunday (December 23) there will be social bowls commencing around 3.00 pm for all who can be available.  Bowls through the Christmas period will be advised per email.  We wish all bowlers who are travelling to events over this time good bowls and fellowship.

 As this is the final report until after the New Year we wish all bowlers and the general public a peaceful and safe Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
 Article by P.Adams

​Land Conservation District Committee offers subsidised seedlings to farmers
The local Committee were keen to distribute some funds to the community and a suggestion at the AGM to offer funds towards seedlings for next year was favourably accepted by the members. A 50% subsidy is offered to a maximum of 10 trays (810 seedlings).
As a result, we have 15 farmers who have taken up the offer with a total of
18 468 seedlings to be planted winter next year. This offer is still available but species selection is limited. If you’re keen on planting fodder shrubs on your marginal areas, saltbush can be ordered up to the end of December. Please contact Parnell’s Nursery direct and submit your order to Keith or Marianne on 9883 2024 or 0427 957 607. Offer is for shire rate payers only.
 
Are you seeing more foxes and rabbits?
The LCDC were also keen to offer Landholders a subsidy towards controlling foxes and rabbits and as such will offer a 50% subsidy for the purchase of 1080 fox and pindone rabbit baits. Higher priority areas including protection of natural resources from rabbit damage or baiting areas bordering bush or Reserves will be targeted first. The Conservation Australia Team members will be visiting the Shire to carry out feral animal culling in January, February and March. If you wish to join this program, please call Mick Bona on 0405 653 346 or Claudia on 0429 612 447.
 
Accreditation permit to purchase 1080 fox and rabbit bait
Farmers, if you do not have the Restricted Chemical Product permit you cannot purchase any 1080 products. If you are interested in applying for a permit to control foxes next lambing season, please register your name with Claudia. This application can be done on line or by visiting the Landcare office.
 
Landcare equipment available for use by shire residents
The Landcare Office has been fortunate in the past years in receiving funding to purchase equipment, including hand tree planters which are now available for use free of charge for shire rate payers.
Regrettably. the opportunity to apply for funds to purchase additional land care equipment is very restrictive now and therefore the existing equipment must be kept in good condition. When using the hand tree planters, especially in saline conditions it will be enforced that they are washed thoroughly after use to avoid any damage to the working parts.

Shire office CLOSURE 24/12/2018 – 02/01/2019
The shire office will be closed over the Christmas period from the 24th December 2018, reopening on the 2nd January 2019. We wish you a safe and happy holiday period.
 
LICENSING CLOSURE 20/12/2018 – 14/01/2019
The Shire of Dumbleyung Driver and Vehicle Services Agency will be closed from the 20th of December 2018 until the 14th January 2019.
During this time please call 13 11 56 for all Driver and Vehicle Services enquiries (Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm) or visit www.transport.wa.gov.au
Thank you for your co-operation
 
Christmas & New Year Movement of Vehicle in Paddock Ban
Please remember that there will be a Movement of Vehicle in Paddock Ban (Harvest Ban) on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Over the holiday period there will not be as many volunteer fire fighters around the shire so please be extra vigilant when conducting activities that may cause a fire.
 
AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATION
The Shire of Dumbleyung Australia Day Celebration and Awards will be held this year at the Nenke Park Pavilion, Kukerin on the 26th January from 8:30am. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy a free cooked breakfast :) Please RSVP to the shire office (08) 9863 4012.
 
Do you have approval to run your home based business/hobby?
Talk to us before the end of February 2019 so we can help you avoid retrospective fees!
 
Of late the shire has been reviewing it’s Town Planning Scheme in conjunction with our Town Planner which has prompted a timely reminder for small businesses to check they are approved under our Town Planning Scheme.
The state government has rules in place to ensure that the amenity of different areas are protected, consumers are protected and businesses who must invest significant amounts of money into meeting the requirements are protected. This means that if the residents activity involves a commercial transaction of any sort, even if they consider it a ‘hobby’; under the planning scheme they will need to talk to Joe Douglas to see if it is allowed. The Shire of Dumbleyung want's to assist hobby's and businesses in achieving this compliance and are therefore allowing retrospective development application fees at the standard fee rate until the end of February 2019. Any retrospective applications after this date will incur the normal retrospective fee which is three time the standard fee.
Thank you to those who have already made contact as this helps us help you!
If the business/hobby involves food, you will also need to meet the health requirements. There are currently no residential kitchens approved in the shire. More information on residential kitchen requirements or alternatives (E.G. Hall kitchen hire $20 half day or $40 full day) is available at the shire.
If you want to try running a business, you can talk to us about some low risk initiatives to assist in staying compliant and getting started. Current initiatives the shire has to help small businesses/hobbies are the Mini Mall, cooking from Town Halls, and if you are looking at providing a service but don’t have a place to operate from we are keen to hear from you!
CONTACT: For more information please contact Nicole on 9863 4012 or ntaylor@dumbleyung.wa.gov.au who can help you with your compliance to ensure your business/hobby meets our Town Planning Scheme.
 
REMINDER -Manning of Waste Sites
Commencing on Friday 30th November, the waste sites in Kukerin and Dumbleyung will be open each week at the following times:
Dumbleyung – Friday 9:00am to 1:00pm and Sunday 9:00am to 1:00pm
Kukerin – Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm and Wednesday 9:00am to 1:00pm
Passes will be required for free entry to the waste sites (unlimited free visits with a pass) or charges will apply without a pass.
A mail out with more detailed information will go to local PO Boxes however if you do not receive this please get in touch with the shire for more information, if you have lost your pass, or your landlord if you are renting.
 
Notification of Main Roads Road Works
Road works will be occurring from now through to 21 December on the Collie-Lake King Road.
Pavement repairs  will be consist of Foam Bitumen Stabilisation and Lime stabilisation of the existing pavement. Works will be conducted in both East and Westbound lanes, commencing  between McIntyre Street (Dumbleyung) and Bishop street(Lake Grace ) on the Collie Lake King Road.
Half the road will  be closed during working hours 6am-6pm, Stop and Slow will also be place with reduced speed. Please expect delays during this period and allow extra  travel time.  
Due to the treatment being used, there will be extra loose stones on the surface following repairs so please continue to use caution following completion of the road works.
An queries or comments will need to be made to Main Roads on 138 138.
 
Landcare Updates
We are transitioning to having a Landcare mailing list to ensure that Landcare Information is getting to those that need it. To ensure that you receive this information, please sign up here http://eepurl.com/dL9Juc or contact Claudia at the Landcare office on 9863 4225.
 
Community Assisted Transport Scheme
By now you have hopefully received information in the mail about the Community Assisted Transport Scheme. The service is available to all residents of the shire, you can read more here:https://www.dumbleyung.wa.gov.au/health
COORDINATOR & AFTER HOURS CONTACT| Helen Gooding 0427 530 204
BOOKINGS| Dumbleyung CRC, (08) 9863 4829
 
Dumbleyung Swimming Pool OPENING HOURS
Open 7 days unless otherwise advertised
Monday 6.30am - 8.30am 
12.00pm - 6.00pm*
Tuesday 12.00pm - 6.00pm*
Wednesday 6.30am - 8.30am 
12.00pm - 6.00pm*
Thursday 12.00pm - 6.00pm*
Friday 6.30am - 8.30am 
12.00pm - 6.00pm*
*Pool may close early if weather is cold. Please call if you are travelling after 5:00pm
If a large group (10+ people) are interested in visiting the pool outside of opening hours, please contact the Pool Manager on 9863 4227 for availability.
 
EARLIER CLOSING DATE! Bain Estate Future Fund 2019/20
The application closing period for the Bain Estate Future Fund 2019/20 has changed to May. With the new closing date approaching the application form is accessible on our website NOW! Download an application form here :https://www.dumbleyung.wa.gov.au/bain-estate-future-fund
 
THE MONTHLY SHIRE OF DUMBLEYUNG NEWSLETTER 'LAKE EXPRESS' IS OUT NOW!
Want to receive it by post or email? Call us now 9863 4012.
Read all about our latest happenings in the Lake Express online here