Preston River Valley

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 ☀️

03/11/2025

Looking forward to saying hi to the Noggerup folk!

28/10/2025

Come and enjoy the Preston Valley Artisan Trail. It is always a great weekend showcasing the many talented artists in our patch. A spectacular blend of culture, craftsmanship, and culinary delights.

❤️The heart of the Preston Valley Artisan Trail is the Yabberup Hall. Number4️⃣on the map it is a cherished part of the local community.
📸It will be hosting a photography competition plus an array of stalls that will include art, craft, metalwork, woodwork, honey, rum and gin!
🌭Tea and Cake stall and sausage sizzle too.
🗺️5 Yabberup Rd Yabberup
Saturday 1st Sunday 2nd November
10-4 Free Entry

08/10/2025

Join us for a Wildflower Walk this Sunday (October 12). Meet at the Yabberup hall at 9am with good walking shoes, hat and a water bottle. As it's snake season, you might like to wear gaiters if you have them (but the crowd will probably solve the problem!).
We will cross over Boyup Brook road into Morrissey Rd so if you have small kids and would prefer, park on Morrissey Rd near the rail trail and wait for the rest of us. (Residents of Morrissey rd, if you are driving somewhere on Sunday morning, please be aware that there will be people on the road between 9 and 10.30am)
We will walk through the bush along a track to further up Morrissey Rd, cross over into an interesting patch of bush to randomly search, then back down Morrissey and along the rail trail.
Then back to the hall at 10.30am for morning tea.

01/10/2025

🔥 Men’s Circle at the “Lords” – Yabberup 🔥

I’m excited to invite men to join us for our next Men’s Circle on Saturday 4th October, 9–11am, at the Preston Valley Community Park “Lords” in Yabberup.

This will be a special gathering – not only is it the last time we’ll be able to have a campfire before summer, but it’s also a chance to experience the beautiful new grounds. The Preston River Valley Men's group just placed the new sign, and I’m looking forward to showing the space where we have lots of future plans for the men's gatherings but also the wider community.

Our circles are a place for men to connect, share openly, and find strength in brotherhood. Every voice matters, and every man is welcome.

📍 Preston Valley Community Park “Lords”, Yabberup
🕘 Saturday 4th October, 9–11am

Bring a mate, bring an open heart, and let’s gather around the fire one last time before summer.

Send me a message to get the exact directions.

28/09/2025

The Power of Men’s Circles

Over the last few months, something simple yet powerful has been happening — men sitting together, sharing openly, and finding strength in connection. These circles remind us that we don’t have to carry life’s challenges alone.

The group is growing, and with every gathering the sense of connection gets stronger. Men are showing up for each other, creating a space where honesty and support come naturally

The Preston Press recently featured our men’s circle movement, which shows the growing recognition of the importance of men supporting men. I’m grateful for the momentum we’re building and the interest from so many who feel called to join.

It’s not just about the circles — last week we also hiked part of the Bibbulmun Track, reminding ourselves of the power of nature and good conversation along the way.

At the moment we gather twice a month, and the next one will be:
📍 Saturday 4th October
📍 Preston Valley Community Park (Lords Cricket Grounds), Yabberup
🕘 9:00–11:00 am

All men are welcome, whether you’ve sat in circle before or are completely new to it.

If you’d like to know more or join us, send me a message or comment below.