URGENT UPDATE: The Shire of Derby-West Kimberley is gearing up for a pivotal local government election on October 18, with 20 candidates vying for nine vacant council positions. This follows a dramatic series of events that led to mass resignations earlier this year, necessitating intervention from the State Government.
In February, five councillors, including deputy president Geoff Haerewa, resigned, leaving the council in disarray and unable to carry out essential functions. This prompted Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley to appoint Jeff Gooding as Commissioner on April 15, who has since overseen the council’s operations.
The resignations were largely attributed to the shire’s troubling financial situation, as noted by Haerewa himself. While four councillors remained after the shake-up, their positions were declared vacant in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995.
The upcoming election is critical for the community, as voters will decide on the new council that will steer the shire’s future. Among the candidates are current Shire president Peter McCumstie and councillor Kerrissa O’Meara, who are both seeking to retain their roles. Other notable candidates include Trish Gault, Val Ross, Lachie Carracher, and Callan Hatchman, among others.
This election will feature a mix of terms—four positions will be for a four-year term, while five will serve two-year terms. Voters are encouraged to engage in the democratic process, although participation is not compulsory in Western Australia. Options for voting include in-person ballots, postal votes, and absentee voting for those unable to attend on election day.
For those interested in the candidates, all applications are available for review on the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley website.
The community is urged to participate actively in shaping the future of their local governance. With significant changes on the horizon, this election marks a defining moment for the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley. Stay tuned for further updates as the election date approaches.
