Mount Frankland - Walpole

You’ve probably seen the signs on your drive towards Walpole on the South Coast Highway, or perhaps on the drive back in the other direction, and wondered if it is worth a visit.  I can tell you now it is definitely worth a visit, and more.  

This Department of Parks and Wildlife managed facility is free, and there is something for everyone, depending on your purpose and how much time you have.    

As you drive into the car park at Mount Frankland you’ll see a large shelter structure, which at first glance, almost looks like a theatrette.  It would actually be the perfect venue for a small family gathering, with plenty of room for people to get comfortable whilst enjoying a picnic lunch.  In fact, on the afternoon of the Shire of Manjimup’s last Walpole Council Meeting in March of 2014, myself and my fellow councillors actually did just that – shared a picnic lunch in the shelter before taking a short walk to see the next best thing – the wilderness lookout. 

The Wilderness lookout is just a 300m walk, also suitable for wheelchairs, out to a (relatively) new structure that takes you right into the trees, literally.   This is one of three destinations that make up the Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre.  The interpretive panels will give you a great understanding of the life that surrounds as you stand there, taking it all in. 

If you feel like having a BBQ lunch, further facilities are provided at the Towermans’ Hut, which is an easy walk in the opposite direction to the wilderness lookout. 

If you’re feeling like a bit of a longer walk, and the prospect of stairs and ladders excites you, I highly recommend making the full trek, right up to the top of Mount Frankland.  This is the walk that the towerman did several times a day in order to check the weather and watch for fires.  The views on the walk itself make the trek worthwhile, and the exhilaration of reaching the top will leave you wondering why you didn’t  come and visit this hidden gem sooner. 

For more details visit http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/mt-frankland

Bannister Downs Dairy - Hand in Hand Project

At the most recent Shire of Manjimup Council meeting, Sue Daubney from Bannister Downs Dairy made an announcement that is set to see local business, projects and events come to fruition in the community, that otherwise may not have had a chance.  This chance I speak of, is the Bannister Downs Hand in hand Project.  

This is all about giving back to the community – a community that Bannister Downs is proud to be a part of, and which Bannister Downs helps to put on the map.   This not-for-profit venture sees Bannister Downs banking a sum of money every month which will be gifted, upon application, to support local community initiatives.  

What is so good about this project?  It is exclusive to groups, businesses and projects within the Shire of Manjimup.  Second of all, this fund has been set up as tool which can be utilised by any other business in the area who also wish to contribute to the community in this way. 

To find out more, please visit http://www.bannisterdowns.com.au/hand-hand-project.  The next round of applications closes on 13 December 2014.