Community
Wespine actively contributes in multiple ways to the community in which we operate. From our bi-annual community grant funds, distributing ‘containers for change bins’ across our site as a fundraiser for Lions, to being a Gold Sponsor of the Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival, we value giving back to local groups.
Wespine’s support is made up of direct contributions, contributions in-kind, and the provision of our products. One of our direct community support avenues is through the provision of a Community Grants Program. We also invite feedback on our operations through surveys and provide an annual community report on what the business has been doing.
Dardanup Bull and Barrel
Community Grants
Wespine Community Grants are now closed for 2025. We will re-open for another round in 2026 – watch this space!
Sucess Stories
Wespine Community Grants
Just a few of the many examples of previous successful grants recipients.
Donnybrook Men’s Shed
Wespine was a major sponsor of the CNC Router that the Men’s Shed built from scratch. They ordered the parts and put them together utilising the different skill sets of members and friends of the Men’s Shed. When they had the machine working – which must be within 0.1mm accuracy – they then learned how to program the machine by obtaining information from YouTube.
Hudson Road Family Centre
Wespine was pleased to support the Hudson Road Family Centre in Bunbury to construct a food truck cubby for their playground. We donated timber as well as a financial contribution towards materials for the project. We delivered the timber to the Bunbury Prison, where the cubby house was constructed.
Southwest Science and Engineering Challenge
The Science and Engineering Challenge for students in the Southwest of WA was another event sponsored through Wespine’s grants. Engineers David Fry and Sajad Moeini as well as Managing Director, Patrick Warrand, volunteered their time at the event, which aims to promote careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
West Dardanup Bush Fire Brigade
Wespine provided funding for new shirts and jumpers for the West Dardanup Bush Fire Brigade volunteers. The members were issued their new clothing, which is embroidered with both the Wespine and Brigade logos, at an awards presentation night.
Dardanup Bush Fire Cadets
The Dardanup Bush Fire Cadets received funding for their high ropes course in Dwellingup which aimed to build their confidence, develop leadership skills and teamwork.
Historically many of these young cadets will go on to become volunteers in bush fire brigades, Army Reserves or Sea Search and Rescue.
Koombana Sailing Club
Wespine supported the Club by providing timber beams to upgrade their racks in the dinghy shed. The new pine beams made it easier for members to manoeuvre boats on and off the storage racks.
Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival
A highlight of our calendar year is the annual Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival, where we are a Gold sponsor. Held in October, this free festival is a big hit with both locals and visitors. The festival’s spectacular finale is in the evening. Live entertainment is provided until the lighting of the Wespine Fire Sculpture (timber provided by Wespine) which is always an incredible work of creativity, built by a local artist. Hear the crowd roar as the ‘bull’ burns!
Shire of Dardanup ‘Make it Space’
Wespine contributed $47,000 in funding towards the Make It Space in the Shire of Dardanup Administration, Library and Community Building in Eaton. This space is the first of its kind in the South West and is open to the community to foster STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, creativity and innovation.
The Make It Space offers the community a programmable space that includes everything from 3D printing to woodworking to electronics, small robotics, media production and more. The building was completed in early 2024.
Reconciliation Action Plan
Wespine developed a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which was launched in February 2024. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, Wespine’s RAP will provide tangible and substantive benefits for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Wespine will actively identify procurement opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples suppliers, prioritise employment opportunities and engage in local activities and initiatives, such as the annual Bridge Walk in Bunbury. These proactive steps demonstrate Wespine’s dedication and ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and respectful work environment.
Memberships
Wespine is a member of Australian and WA industry associations including the Forest Industry Federation of WA, Australian Forest Products Association, Forest and Wood Products Australia and supports national campaigns that promote the renewable and sustainable use of timber framing.
In the local area, Wespine is also a member of the Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Bunbury Geographe Economic Alliance and the South West Timber Hub.
Wespine is a proud member of the following associations:
- The Ultimate Renewable™
- Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA)
- Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA)
- Forest Industries Federation WA (FIFWA)
- Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association of Australia (FTMA)
- Engineered Wood Products Association Of Australasia (EWPAA)
- Australian Timber Importers Federation (ATIF)
- Bunbury Geographe Economic Alliance
- Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA)
- Master Builders Association WA (MBA)
- Housing Industry Association (HIA)
Community Survey
We invite feedback about Wespine’s operations to ensure we are listening to what is important to our community members, and to inform us about any impacts from our operations on the communities in which we operate.
Annual Community Update
Wespine is pleased to announce the release of its sixth community update, providing an overview of our business in 2024.
This year’s highlights include:
- Celebrating a record 250 consecutive safe production days, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our team.
- Investing in targeted training and development for our team, resulting in improved skills, productivity, and employee engagement across the business.
- The opening of the Shire of Dardanup’s new Library, Administration and Community Building, including the Mick Bennett Make-It Space, which Wespine proudly sponsored.
- Continued promotion of timber as the ultimate renewable material for environmentally responsible construction.
We are extremely proud of our team’s achievements and would like to thank the local community for your ongoing support.