The Shire of Derby/West Kimberly community will have an entirely new nine-person council following the local government election in October after mass resignations in February required State Government to appoint Jeff Gooding (pictured) as Commissioner.~|~|QArx5SLetK
UPDATE: The Shire of Derby-West Kimberley is set for a dramatic transformation as 20 local residents compete for nine vacant council positions in the upcoming election on October 18. This follows a wave of resignations earlier this year that necessitated State Government intervention.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley appointed Jeff Gooding as Commissioner on April 15, after five councillors, including deputy president Geoff Haerewa, resigned on February 26. Their departures left the council unable to perform essential functions or form a quorum, prompting urgent action from the government.
Haerewa cited the shire’s challenging financial situation as a primary reason for his resignation, echoing concerns from other departing members. The council’s instability has raised serious questions about governance in the region.
Among the candidates vying for a seat are notable figures such as Peter McCumstie and Kerrissa O’Meara, both of whom have previously served on the council. The full list of candidates includes Trish Gault, Val Ross, Lachie Carracher, Callan Hatchman, Laurie Shaw, Geoff Davis, Alex Aksenov, Malmac Macdonald, Kyra Edwards, Jodi Ryder, Yolanda Lombardo, Adam Cornish, Rona Charles, Eliot Money, Andrea Myers, Leah Umbagai, and Tony Hunter.
The election will determine a new president alongside four councillors for a four-year term and another four councillors for a two-year term. All applications for candidacy can be viewed on the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley’s official website, providing transparency as the community prepares for this pivotal election.
Residents unable to vote in-person on election day can apply for postal, absentee, or early voting options. While voting in local government elections is not compulsory in Western Australia, all local electors are strongly encouraged to participate.
The stakes are high for Derby-West Kimberley as the new council will be tasked with addressing pressing issues and restoring confidence in local governance. The community is urged to stay informed as the election date approaches, and candidates prepare to outline their visions for the future.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
