Preston River Valley

24/04/2026

Come and join in the fun this Sunday at Yabberup Hall. We are supporting the Heritage Hall trail and launching the Preston River Valley Story Project.

02/04/2026

Good news for coffee fans in the valley...coffee van is open from 6-11am Wednesday to Fridays at The Mumby!

30/03/2026

Come join in the fun!

26/03/2026

How fascinating!

FREE COMMUNITY TALK: WELLINGTON DAM ARCHAEOLOGY
A 1930s forest valley preserved beneath Wellington Dam

Wellington Dam was built in the early 1930s, and when the reservoir filled, it swallowed a working forest valley complete with jarrah trees, timber tracks, and corduroy roads. The cold, fresh water has kept it all in remarkable condition. On their weekends, Patrick, Aren and Andrew are systematically mapping the site using multibeam sonar, technical diving, and underwater line mapping adapted from cave diving techniques.

Come along to hear what they've found, and please get in touch if you have any information about the valley before it was flooded!

🎤Wellington Dam Archaeology talk
📆Tuesday 7 April 2026
🕡6.30pm
📍Collie Public Library, Wittenoom St
💲 FREE

Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/community-talk-wellington-dam-archaeology
or call 9734 9042

24/03/2026

How lucky are we to have these in our patch!

The Marri tree has won 2026 Eucalypt of the Year 🍃

The Western Australian native can be found from Geraldton to Albany.

Menang Elder Vernice Gilles spoke to Andrew Collins on Regional Drive about the tree's significance.

"Their gum is used for the art of making glue," she said.

"It's melted down and it's added with dried kangaroo droppings and crushed charcoal to make a really thick paste."

She said it can also be used as a medicine.

"We've used it as an antiseptic... any abrasion, you can put that gum on it and it will ease it," she said.

"It's really good for settling the tummy down."

You can find Great Southern Breakfast with Paul Cook on ABC listen 🎧 www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/greatsouthern-breakfast

03/03/2026

The Bridge Is Back 💪☀️🙏

After 14 long months, Graeme Johnson finally has his bridge back.

When an oversized truck tried to cross and destroyed it, access to his home at 24 Rosedene Lane in Lowden was suddenly cut off from the main road. What used to be a quick trip to Donnybrook for groceries turned into a 20-minute detour through the plantation — every single time.

Fourteen months is a long time to live with inconvenience like that.

So when the new bridge was finally completed, there was only one proper way to mark the moment… a Bridge Party.🍻

On Sunday 1st March, friends, family and neighbours gathered for the official ribbon cutting at 5pm sharp. With laughter in the air, great conversations flowing, beautiful weather overhead and delicious finger food on hand, the ribbon was cut and the crowd proudly crossed the bridge together to celebrate at Graeme’s place.

It was more than just reopening a bridge.

It was the end of a long wait — and the start of easy trips to town again.

And judging by the smile on Graeme’s face, it was well worth celebrating.

15/02/2026

Do You Have a Preston River Valley Story to Share?

It could be a cherished memory, a family tradition, or a piece of local history. We would love you to share it with us.

By contributing to the Preston River Valley story collection, you’ll help create an archive that preserves the voices and experiences of our community.

You can be as creative as you like.

Share your story in words — for example, a short story (up to 500 words), a letter to the community, a poem, or an audio recording (up to 2 minutes). You can also share it visually — up to five photos, a short video (up to 2 minutes), or an art or craft project.

Your story might be about growing up here, visiting a relative’s property, working the land, going to school, Caring for Country, your connection to the people and animals who live here, or your love of the local bush. As long as it reflects your experience of the Preston River Valley (Beelerup to Noggerup), it’s up to you.

With your permission, selected stories will be shared at the Heritage Hall Day on April 26 and on our website.

If you have any questions or would like to submit your story, please email promotepreston@gmail.com

30/12/2025

This Saturday – first men’s circle of the year

A new year has started, and this Saturday we’re gathering again for our monthly men’s circle in Donnybrook.

A simple, grounded space for men to:
slow down
check in with themselves
speak honestly
listen without fixing
No pressure to share more than you want. No expectations. Just men sitting together, as they are.

📅 Saturday the 3rd
⏰ 9:00 – 11:00am
📍 Donnybrook Men’s Shed

If you’ve been before, you’re very welcome back.

If you’ve been curious but haven’t joined yet, this is a good place to start — especially as the first circle of the year.

Feel free to reach out if you have questions, or just turn up on the morning.

Hope to see you there.🙏

05/12/2025

A NEW craft distillery, Preston Valley Distilling has arrived! Owners Melanie and Perry Jasper aim to craft spirits with care and character that reflect the beauty of the Preston Valley - a place shaped by forest, river and history. Melanie said each bottle made is distilled in single barrels and finished by hand. and currently have a range of rums and vodka available.
The Preston Valley Distilling spirits can be purchased online or at various markets around the region, including the Donnybrook Twilight Markets, the Boyanup Farmers Market and at the The Mumby For more info go to: www.prestonvalleydistilling.com.au

03/12/2025

Thank you to all those in our community who participated in this project. Your ongoing efforts are appreciated.

01/12/2025

Positive change is happening🙏

Over the past months we’ve seen our men’s circles grow—more men showing up, more honest conversations, more connection. The feedback has been incredible, and it’s clear that many men are looking for a space where they can slow down, breathe, and talk openly without judgement. And combining this with a monthly hike has been a great bonus.

That’s why we’re excited to share that, over summer, we’ll be collaborating with the Donnybrook Men’s Shed.

🔥 Every first Saturday of the month from 9–11am
🔥 One location: the Donnybrook Men’s Shed
🔥 A consistent place for men to gather, share, and support each other

With the fire ban starting, sitting outside loses some of its magic. The Men’s Shed gives us a warm, grounded environment that already feels familiar to many local men — a natural place to come together.

There’s also a beautiful overlap already happening: several Shed members have joined our circles, and one man has joined the Shed through our group. This collaboration feels like the next step in supporting men’s mental and emotional wellbeing in our region.

Whether you’ve been before, haven’t been in a while, or are curious about joining for the first time — you’re welcome.

And for those waiting for the next gathering:
📅 Next Men’s Circle: Saturday 6 December
⏰ 9–11am
📍 Donnybrook Men’s Shed

If you’d like more information or want to join our WhatsApp group, feel free to reply below or send me a private message.

17/11/2025

Biff's food stall is open ☀️