News and Events
There’s always something going on at the village. Below you’ll find a listing of current and future events along with a link to our latest newsletter.
Jack’s Shack – Official Opening
Exciting News!
After an enormous amount of work by a lot of generously minded people, the restoration of Jack’s Shack is now complete.
On Saturday 15 November 2025, community members, shire representatives and the Minister for Forestry Jackie Jarvis, gathered to launch the centrepiece of a new heritage precinct in Donnelly River. About 100 people attended a ceremony to mark the opening of Jack’s Shack – a restored timber workers hut that was home to local legend Jack Surina.
Using historical techniques, Jack’s Shack was restored using a $40,000 grant from the State’s Native Forest Transition program, a small grant from the Shire of Nannup, private donations, a range of locally sourced resources and numerous volunteers. The Friends of Donnelly Village are extremely grateful to all those who made the Jack’s Shack Project possible. You can see a full list of our thank-you’s here.
To coincide with the launch we’ve produced a new video which provides an overview of the Donnelly River Village and one of it’s most notable residents.
Other highlights of the restoration project include Jack’s old dunny, now transformed into a photo booth, and a hand wound audio console that allows visitors to hear first hand recollections of his life.
Men and Mill – Reprint
Generations of people have lived in and visited Donnelly, but one man has seen it all.
John Tillman was around from the day the mill was officially opened in 1951 till the day it closed in 1978. He worked in various jobs around the mill before becoming the Bush Foreman.
In his book of recollections Men and Mill the characters of the town come alive. Now in its fourth edition, the book of yarns and pictures provides a personal, everyday insight into the people who called Donnelly home in the heyday of the timber industry in the southern forests of WA.
Thanks to a community grant from the State’s Native Forestry Transition fund, Friends of Donnelly Village has reprinted the book as part of a project that also saw the relocation and restoration of Jack Surina’s shack. John’s voice can be heard in a new video that recalls the life of Jack, who also worked at Donnelly and lived alone in his shack till 1997.
At the launch of the Jack’s Shack project, John Tillman, now 96, gave us the great honour of attending and signing new copies of his book which can be purchased here or through the Donnelly River General Store.
Newsletters
Catch up with the Friends of Donnelly Village and see what’s happening both in and around the village.
Afraid of missing out? Why not become a Member of the Friends of Donnelly Village Inc and have our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Your can download the membership form here or to find out more email: chair@friendsofdonnelly.org.au
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