Kalgoorlie-Boulder councillors share their thoughts about the past year, and the work that lies ahead of them

Kalgoorlie-Boulder councillors share their thoughts about the past year, and the work that lies ahead of them. Mayor Glenn Wilson In your opinion, what was the most important work of council last year? The city undertook one of its biggest ever community consultations to for our Strategic Community Plan. Over 2000 touchpoints on the community saw an open day at the Kalgoorlie Town Hall, stalls at markets and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community Fair, surveys and more. It sounds a little bland, but the interaction with community was a great way to showcase more about the organisation and have conversations where two-way education and learning can take place. Do you have a highlight from your time on council last year? The opening of the Kingsbury Park youth precinct, which has been more than a decade in the making. Kids lining up to hit the facility before it open, the positive impact on the area and the fact we have such a space where my four-year-old can ride his balance bike, and my 42-year-old school mate can do tricks in the skate bowl. A great project, which took a little longer, but is having great use. What is the most important thing you will be focussing on in 2026? Since becoming mayor, a renewed focus on advocacy and re-establishing connections and partnerships has been a priority. We are now getting heard in Canberra, Perth and beyond. Harnessing the advocacy pillars we have put in place will ensure we are not only getting heard, but we are also getting results. To unlock funding to address social issues, create better sport facilities, increase arts funding, fast track infrastructure renewal all requires hard work and dedication from the city. That is led with a quality advocacy framework and being laser focused on the best results for our community. What drives you to continue in your role as councillor? Local government is a vibrant and vital part of our community. My focus is on strengthening it, and it’s quite simple: get more people to live and work here. Challenges exist but driving house building, business prosperity and services that meet our community’s needs is essential. This is a space we need to push for at both the government and big business levels. What are you most looking forward to in Kalgoorlie-Boulder this year? The continued focus on the gold price. Hearing from business across the start of 2026, with the gold price above AUD$7000, the impact on local business has been positively felt. That’s great confidence for our city and region. There are some challenges in that environment, including ensuring we get a fair share of the royalty return to our city, making the most of the time and ensuring we are becoming more resilient to cycles. What do you love about your community? We are a community that is dedicated to hard work, mateship and giving. We work big hours, we are welcoming to new residents and visitors, and we are bloody generous. It’s always so humbling to see how much is raised for local charities and organisations. You don’t get that on many — if any places. Is there anything else you would like to share? Dockers — premiers 2026! Deputy Mayor Terrence Winner In your opinion, what was the most important work of council last year? Getting back to basics while planning properly for the future. For residents, that meant seeing real investment in the everyday things that affect quality of life — roads and footpaths being renewed, community facilities maintained, safety initiatives strengthened, access and inclusion being supported, and improving services sustainability and effectiveness across the city. At the same time, council took the time to genuinely listen to the community. Thousands of residents and businesses shared their views through surveys, pop-up sessions, coffee catch-ups and community events, helping shape the Strategic Community Plan for the next 10 years. That work matters because it ensures decisions aren’t made in isolation but rather they’re grounded in what people actually want and need. The work done last year wasn’t always flashy work, but it was necessary. Putting the city on a more sustainable financial footing, responsibly managing major assets, and planning for growth means residents can have continued confidence that Kalgoorlie-Boulder is being looked after not just for today, but for the long term. Do you have a highlight from your time on council last year? A highlight for me was seeing community input genuinely influence outcomes. Whether it was feedback around safety, infrastructure priorities or youth opportunities, people could see their voices reflected in planning and decision-making. I also took real pride in the range and impact of community events and programs delivered across the city focused on bringing people together, supporting local culture and reminding us why community connection matters. What is the most important thing you will be focussing on in 2026? It’s incredibly tough to pick just one area as every challenge, plan and project in their own right are important to the grand vision for Kalgoorlie-Boulder. But in 2026 my focus will be on follow-through. The plans are in place and now it’s about delivery. That means holding ourselves accountable for infrastructure projects, improving community safety outcomes, supporting young people, improving community inclusion, and making sure engagement doesn’t stop once strategies are written. I’ll also continue advocating strongly to State and Federal governments, so Kalgoorlie-Boulder gets its fair share of funding and attention. What drives you to continue in your role as councillor? My deep connection to this community. Kalgoorlie-Boulder has shaped who I am, and I take seriously the responsibility of representing people who trust council to make sound, fair decisions. I’m motivated by the belief that local government, when done properly, can make everyday life better, especially for those who don’t always have a loud voice. What are you most looking forward to in Kalgoorlie-Boulder this year? Seeing progress become more visible with projects moving from planning into action, community spaces continuing to improve, and more opportunities for people to connect through events, sport and culture. There’s a real sense of momentum building, and I’m excited to see that continue. What do you love about your community? I love the diversity, resilience and honesty of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. People here care deeply about their city, look out for one another, and aren’t afraid to speak up when something needs to be better. There’s pride in our history, strength in our diversity, and a strong sense that this is a place worth investing in. Is there anything else you would like to share? I want to thank residents for staying engaged even when conversations are tough. Constructive challenge makes council better. My commitment is to keep listening, keep asking hard questions, and keep working in the best interests of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, both now and into the future. Cr Deborah Botica In your opinion, what was the most important work of council last year? Upgrading the roads, the footpaths and fixing up potholes. I think, even though it’s controversial, going ahead and doing the Odour Report, which, at this stage, hasn’t really come back with any sort of conclusive result, but I think that was important. And I think we do really good community events. Do you have a highlight from your time on council last year? One of my highlights was getting re-elected back onto council to try and work towards some of the projects that we still have to finish and complete. What is the most important thing you will be focussing on in 2026? We’ve got to focus on trying to get more water into the community. We definitely need a community chest where we can be giving incentives to mining companies and the community to help restore some of the heritage buildings. I’d like to see a resolution to what’s happening to that odour out in the waste management site area . . . and I’d like to see more water be able to come back onto the parks and gardens. Because recently . . . a lot of lawns and gardens are dead. What drives you to continue in your role as councillor? I like helping the community. I really enjoy being part of the process that builds an inclusive fabric of the community. And I want to do as much as I can to make Kalgoorlie-Boulder a great place for families for future generations. What are you most looking forward to in Kalgoorlie-Boulder this year? Successful community events, and hopefully something with the water in town. It’s just tragic to see so many parks and gardens in the State that they are at the moment. I’m also looking forward to council working together and building good projects for the community. What do you love about your community? I love the fact that when we do things as a community, we can get so much done. We work together well and work hard to make it a good place to be. Is there anything else you would like to share? People are more than welcome to contact me anytime if they’ve got an issue. And don’t wait until the item goes to council. Because often people don’t realise that they need to let us know beforehand. Sometimes an agenda item will go through with no discussion or debate because we don’t realise there is an issue. Cr Kirsty Dellar In your opinion, what was the most important work of council last year? One of the most important areas of work last year was strengthening our financial sustainability and governance frameworks. Ensuring council remained accountable, transparent, and focused on long-term stability was critical, particularly in a challenging economic environment. Do you have a highlight from your time on council last year? A key highlight was working collaboratively with fellow councillors, staff, and the community to progress major infrastructure and community service initiatives that will deliver long-term benefits for residents and local businesses. What is the most important thing you will be focussing on in 2026? In 2026, my priority will be continuing to advocate for strong governance, responsible financial management, and improved service delivery, while supporting initiatives that drive economic diversification and community wellbeing. What drives you to continue in your role as councillor? I am driven by a genuine commitment to serving our community and ensuring local voices are heard in decision-making. Being able to contribute to positive outcomes for Kalgoorlie-Boulder is both a responsibility and a privilege. What are you most looking forward to in Kalgoorlie-Boulder this year? I am looking forward to seeing continued investment in community infrastructure, events, and local businesses, which strengthen our city’s vibrancy and liveability. What do you love about your community? Our community is resilient, generous, and proud of its heritage. There is a strong sense of connection and willingness to support one another, particularly in challenging times. Is there anything else you would like to share? I would like to thank residents, volunteers, and local organisations for their ongoing engagement and commitment to our city. Strong communities are built through collaboration, and I remain committed to listening, learning, and working in the best interests of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Cr Wayne Johnson In your opinion, what was the most important work of council last year? What we try to do is give a lot back to the community, in the way of functions and events and striving to help groups within the community. So things like our concerts in the park at the soundshell, those definitely stand out to me. Can we do more? Yes. Do you have a highlight from your time on council last year? I think it was a year of a lot of turmoil, obviously, bits and pieces going on and all the rest of it. I probably think that we’ve done — budget wise, we’ve put money into various things like improving the roads. We had the pothole saga, the dust bowl saga, and I think our staff have attended to those things that have been raised, well. But again, can we do more? Yes. For me personally, my highlight is just being a community liaison. Listening to requests from the community, chasing things up, talking to groups...that’s what I like doing. What is the most important thing you will be focussing on in 2026? I think what we need to do is to sit back and put in a priority order what we have to do, because there is so much sitting on the calendar still. And I speak for myself here, but there will be some tough decisions, because I just think moving forward without making those tough decisions, we’re not going to complete anything, because all of these projects cost — we’re not talking hundreds of 1000s, we’re talking millions. And the outcome has got to be good for the community. What drives you to continue in your role as councillor? I think all of those things in the above questions. I do this to make a difference and sometimes you are loved, sometimes you are hated, sometimes it is good, sometimes it is bad, and sometimes you’re going to ruffle some feathers. I think it’s just about having that good balance. What are you most looking forward to in Kalgoorlie-Boulder this year? Resolving some of the community issues that have been brought to council’s attention and continuing to be an advocate for Kalgoorlie-Boulder as a great place to live, work and play. What do you love about your community? It’s one of those places you come and say ‘I’m going to be here for six months’ and then six years, 10 years, 16 years, 60 years, people are still here. We are very resilient as a community. Kalgoorlie-Boulder is used to ebbs and flows — good times and bad times, and we have been here for all of it. Is there anything else you would like to share? Are we perfect? I don’t think we are. Talking as an individual, I think we’ve got to have a good look at where we’re going make sure our plans are definite. I don’t want to blow trumpets, that’s not me, but it does worry me when I think we can do better. I think the State Government doesn’t help us out. They’re making changes left, right and centre. We don’t get a say in FIFO camps, people can go to SAT or JDAP. It’s bypassing elected members. Cr Kyran O’Donnell In your opinion, what was the most important work of council last year? The Probity report —though unable to be presented fully due to legalities— and addressing the odour issue in Boulder. Do you have a highlight from your time on council last year? Representing the city at the Canberra Local Government Conference. What is the most important thing you will be focussing on in 2026? Water storage capacity improvement and helping the city lead the way in the housing shortage within our city. What drives you to continue in your role as councillor? Helping residents with issues and being able to champion various projects within our city and attending Citizenship ceremonies. What are you most looking forward to in Kalgoorlie-Boulder this year? I am looking forward to funding being approved to get our Waterbank project up and running. What do you love about your community? I love the people here in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. People make the city; the city does not make people. Cr Carla Viskovich In your opinion, what was the most important work of council last year? Last year, I believe council continued to focus on strengthening governance, improving accountability, and laying the groundwork for long-term community projects so future decisions are clear, responsible, and deliver real outcomes for Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Although this is done every year, I feel last year it was a prime focus. Do you have a highlight from your time on council last year? A real highlight for me was being contacted by more community members who felt confident reaching out, sharing their concerns, and trusting me to raise those issues on their behalf at council. What is the most important thing you will be focussing on in 2026? My focus in 2026 is on delivering clarity and momentum around key long-term community assets and projects. Ensuring council has the right information, realistic timeframes, and clear next steps. I personally believe we need to be concentrating on fewer major projects so we can achieve results and provide the certainty our community deserves. What drives you to continue in your role as councillor? I genuinely care about this town and the people in it. Kalgoorlie-Boulder has given me and my family so much, I feel that serving as a councillor, is my way of giving back. I believe that local government should be practical, transparent, and focused on outcomes, not politics. What are you most looking forward to in Kalgoorlie-Boulder this year? I’m looking forward to seeing projects move from discussion into delivery. Our community is ready for progress, and there’s real opportunity to turn planning into visible results that residents can actually see and use. What do you love about your community? I love how connected Kalgoorlie-Boulder is. People care deeply, they speak up, and they strongly support local sport, local businesses, and local events. We are also incredibly fortunate to have so many free community events. I have never been part of a town that offers so many high-quality, accessible events. It’s a strong, resilient community that looks after its own, and that sense of pride is something special. Is there anything else you would like to share? I want residents to know that I’m accessible, I listen, and I don’t shy away from asking questions. My commitment is to continue showing up, doing the work, and representing the community with integrity, consistency, and common sense. Being a councillor is a tough role. You can’t please everyone, and it can be challenging to hear ongoing negative commentary. I would love to see those who are quick to post criticism on social media also bring forward ideas or solutions. I’m always open to speaking with anyone who genuinely wants to help improve our town and shift the conversation in a positive direction. Living in a remote mining community brings both opportunities and challenges, and by recognising both, we can focus on practical, constructive ways to keep improving Kalgoorlie-Boulder together. Cr Ric Halse In your opinion, what was the most important work of council last year? For me, the most important decision was the 800-bed mining camp approval. The reason it was important is it shows how wide the gap is between the State Government’s priorities and what the community wants for Kalgoorlie-Boulder. It’s clear as a council it’s our job to bridge that gap. Do you have a highlight from your time on council last year? Getting elected to represent everyone was a massive highlight for me, no doubt. Seeing Cr Terrence Winner get voted in as deputy was brilliant too; it shows we’re all keen to head in a fresh, positive direction. What is the most important thing you will be focusing on in 2026? My main goal for 2026 is just to get the basics right. We need to zero in on our core services and make sure they’re excellent. My motto is to ‘under-promise and over-deliver’ so we can genuinely improve things for our residents. What drives you to continue in your role as councillor? What keeps me going is making sure our community sees the real benefits from all this growth in mining. We need long-term infrastructure out of it, not just quick cash for big companies. What are you most looking forward to in Kalgoorlie-Boulder this year? I’m keen to use my strategic planning experience to really help nail our community goals. And with my local background in development, I want to properly tackle our housing issues. What do you love about your community? It’s the diversity, hands down. My kids went to South Kal Primary, and there was this big mural with flags from over 300 different nations on it — that’s what I love about this place. A truly global community right here. Is there anything else you would like to share? I haven’t been on council long, but I can see the challenges are real. The upside is huge though, and if we’re smart about it, we’ll see massive opportunities. It’s going to take some genuine ‘outside the box’ thinking and community-driven ideas. Our unique town deserves a unique response, and I reckon we can do it. Cr Vanessa Walker-Dunstan In your opinion, what was the most important work of council last year? To be honest, I think it would be unfair to comment on the work done without having been involved intimately with the happenings. Do you have a highlight from your time on council last year? Being very early into my term, the highlight was receiving enough votes to join council, I truly appreciate those who have put their faith in me to serve. Every day is a learning experience and together with formal training that is very soon to occur I want to have myself best placed to be able to perform the role to the absolute best of my ability. What is the most important thing you will be focusing on in 2026? The council has many issues, projects, and prospects on our plate, understanding them all and then being able to have a valid and considered point of view for discussion is paramount. This may not see everything I support going through, but I will stand for what is right no matter what. If I can advocate for policy and systems that will allow the most efficient way of doing business I will, and would like to see that we can review existing past decisions, so when it comes time for them to occur — some many, many years later — we can proceed with something that is relevant to the present day, rather than at the time before that. What drives you to continue in your role as councillor? Being entrusted to represent is an honour, I would love to be part of a table that can restore some respect and trust within our community. There are many challenges and to be part of reducing the number of those, my desire is to be part of some positive outcomes for the city. What are you most looking forward to in Kalgoorlie-Boulder this year? The role of council is so wide ranging and I sincerely hope to be key part of positive projects and progress, whilst at community and social level we are blessed to have so many quality events month to month on the calendar, including the big ones like Race Round, the Charity Ball, our wide range of sports and the Sunset Concert Series, but also important things like our Seniors Lunch and engagement with schools at their key presentation moments. What do you love about your community? I love that the place in which we live is big enough to not know everyone but small enough that if you need help the community will dig in and there is always work opportunities and people willing to give people a chance to better themselves, we are a melting pot of many people that gives us a rich history and culture I’ve made some wonderful friends and value you them for life.