Nearly $3million of Federal funding for Donnybrook projects

Nearly $3 million of Federal Government funding announcements were made in Donnybrook on Tuesday.

More than $1.5 million will be used to revitalise Donnybrook’s Apple Fun Park while a further $1.45 million of grant money was allocated to expand Tuia Lodge.

The funding to revitalise the biggest free-use playground in the country will be used to replace equipment nearing the end of its usable life, 11 years after the park opened.

Donnybrook-Balingup shire chief executive officer Ben Rose said 50,000 people visited the park annually.

“You only need to view the number plates of those who visit the park on a daily and weekly basis to see its value to the town cannot be overestimated,” he said.

“However, as with most innovative strategies, one needs to keep ahead of the pack and that is what we are able to do now.”

Forrest MHR Nola Marino said the playground attracted people to Donnybrook from across WA and was a major tourism drawcard.

“It is projects such as this that make our regional communities even better places to live, work and raise a family,” she said.

“I’m excited to see the positive difference this funding will make.

“Every time I come to the Fun Park I see the smiles and laughter from not only the children from the South West, but also from those who travel hundreds of kilometres to enjoy the facilities.”

Mrs Marino also announced funding that will be put towards building an expanded 10-room dementia wing and palliative care unit at the Donnybrook aged care facility.

“This funding will add to the great facilities already available for the Donnybrook community at Tuia Lodge,” she said.

Shire president Brian Piesse said the announcements were a coup for Donnybrook.

“The community would be elated with both announcements, especially given the ongoing council strategies to provide for a healthy and happy lifestyle for our children and visitors,” he said.

“It is equally important to provide facilities that allow our elderly and ageing to stay close to their loved ones as they lose their independence.”