Hundreds sign bandstand petition

A petition with more than 500 signatures to save Denmark’s beloved John Clark Memorial Bandstand was presented to the Shire of Denmark council last week.

Earlier this month, the council endorsed a proposal to remove the heritage-listed bandstand after it estimated a total cost of $100,000 to restore the corroded structure.

This decision prompted a concerned resident to start a petition to save the bandstand — and more than 500 people have shown their support.

Denmark resident and former Denmark Historical Society president Bev McGuinness presented the petition to the council last week, pleading with councillors to change their decision.

“We the undersigned, being electors of the Shire of Denmark, are opposed to your decision to demolish the John Clark Memorial Bandstand without following due process as set out in the Community Consultation Policy,” the petition said. “Your petitioners respectfully request to council to revoke their decision to demolish the John Clark Memorial Bandstand and allow a community consultation period in which to consider other possible options for the future of this structure.”

Ms McGuinness’s statement was read aloud by Councillor Peter Caron, who then asked Ms McGuinness about the alternatives the petitioners were seeking.

Ms McGuinness said the bandstand could still be refurbished with additional external funding.

The John Clark Memorial Bandstand was built in 1964 to honour a prominent Denmark resident.

Shire of Denmark executive officer Bill Parker said the council’s decision reinforced the work the Shire was doing to improve the future management and maintenance of assets.