All community members are encouraged to connect at any time with their elected Councillors about ideas, issues or concerns within the Shire of Augusta Margaret River. 

Community members can also arrange for an informal chat in your local cafe through our Cuppa with a Councillor initiative, Community Groups can build their relationship by presenting to Council at our Community Presentations or you can speak with your elected members as they attend a calendar of Community Events throughout the Shire. The purpose of these sessions is for Councillors to listen to and engage with community, with a view to developing stronger community connections and relationships.

Cuppa with a Councillor

Community members are invited to attend an informal chat and share their questions, issues, suggestions, or views over a hot drink at the upcoming Cuppa with Councillor sessions.

The initiative is set to run at cafes across towns within the Shire of Augusta Margaret River including Augusta, Gracetown, Cowaramup, Margaret River, Witchcliffe, Prevelly and Gnarabup, and Rosa Glen giving everyone in the community an opportunity for an informal chat with their elected representatives. 

Locals are encouraged to book a time for a ten-minute chat by SMS or by calling the relevant Councillor listed as attending each session in the 2023 Calendar. 

2023 Calendar

Community Presentations 

The purpose of the Community Presentations is to encourage Community Groups within the Shire of Augusta Margaret River to engage with Council.

Community Groups are welcome to present any information they think relevant to Council, but might like to include the following content:

• Purpose and intention of their organisation;
• Key projects and/or events undertaken by the organisation;
• How the work of the community group/members is sustainable, inclusive, connected to place, and respecting Boodja;
• Impact of the group/organisation within the Shire of Augusta Margaret River;
• Key issues or challenges facing the group/organisation.

Community Presentations are not an opportunity to lobby for Shire funding. Community Groups seeking funding are encouraged to review the Shire Grants Program page and apply for funding.

Community Presentation Guidelines

Community Presentations are not formal meetings of the Council. However, the sessions are conducted in a way that is consistent with the Local Government Act 1995 in relation to the conduct of business. Accordingly, the following rules apply:

• Each community group or community members will have an allocated fifteen minute presentation time;
• Each presentation will have a short introduction by the Shire President or Deputy, emphasising the purpose of the session;
• At the conclusion of the presentation, there can be an open session for Councillors to mingle with and listen to members of the community;
• Any updates or statements from Councillors regarding recent or upcoming Council decisions which might be relevant or of interest to the community;
• Whilst the above structure to the proceedings of the Community Presentations is suggested, the Shire President or Deputy may determine the process on the day;
• Meetings are deemed informal and will not be minuted;
• Community Presentations are open to all members of the public.

Community Events

Community Events Calendar aims to ensure community members are provided with opportunities to meet with Councillors at key community events. The selection of the calendar of events uses a place-based approach, trying to ensure Councillors visit a diverse range of towns, communities and residents across the Shire.