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Still we rise

Headshot of Nicolette Barbas
Nicolette BarbasHarvey-Waroona Reporter
Harvey shire president Paul Gillet, Cr Tania Jackson, WA Premier Mark McGowan, Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke and Yarloop Community Resource Centre manager Julie-Ann Ford at the re-built hall.
Camera IconHarvey shire president Paul Gillet, Cr Tania Jackson, WA Premier Mark McGowan, Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke and Yarloop Community Resource Centre manager Julie-Ann Ford at the re-built hall. Credit: Nicolette Barbas

The resurrection of the small town of Yarloop took a major leap forward yesterday when the restored Town Hall was opened almost four years since the town was destroyed by the devastating 2016 bushfires.

The community turned out in full force to see the heart of the town start beating once again.

WA Premier Mark McGowan opened the multi-purpose Yarloop Community Centre, which has retained the facade and chimney from the original Yarloop Town Hall.

“We will never forget the impact the devastating bushfires had on Yarloop,” Mr McGowan said.

“This community centre is much more than a building, it is a vibrant hub that provides a common space to gather, restoring a sense of community and encouraging learning and participation.”

Yarloop Community Resource Centre manager Julie-Ann Ford said Yarloop has had a challenging past, but have now been given a new start as a result of the $2.7 million project.

“To the community of Yarloop this is much more than a building, it’s a place to come together, form bonds and build a strong community once again,” Ms Ford said.

“It’s time for the community to look forward and create a bright future together.”

“The future of Yarloop is now in our hands.”

The town hall project was one of several identified as priorities by a Yarloop Town Development Working Group set up after the fires.

“Residents were encouraged to help determine what public buildings and facilities needed to be re-established,” Harvey shire president Paul Gillett said.

“The Yarloop CRC will be a place where people of the town and surrounding areas can come together and participate in a range of activities and functions and become the new social hub of the town.”

The 2016 Waroona-Yarloop bushfires burnt through 69,000ha, claimed the lives of two people and destroyed more than 160 homes.

The State Government has spent $64.6 million on rebuilding Waroona and Yarloop.

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