I’m often asked—both before and after being elected as Mayor - what I love most about Kalgoorlie-Boulder. My answer has always been the same - the people. There’s something special about our community that draws people in and keeps them coming back.

As we draw near to the end of 2024, we reflect on an economic outlook to which the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has brought resilience. While Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s history – and future – is driven by mining, our city’s economy has diversified and a variety of industries now add value to our economy – tourism, renewables and downstream processing are all in the spotlight as emerging industries (and making significant contributions to state and national economies).

A wise person told me this week that people have short memories. That was never more illustrated than on Thursday when I entered the Ron Yuryevich Terminal at the Airport and two travelers shouted derogatory remarks about Mark McGowan, knowing I was meeting the Premier.

Make no mistake, while we constantly say that we don’t want FIFO in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, it has been creeping in by stealth for a number of years.

The new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Andrew Brien, has served his first week in the position.

Last week’s column may have been misleading. In it I said that the streetscapes of Hannan and Burt Street define what locals think about in their fond memories of growing up in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Goldfielders are fiercely proud of where they come from and the attachment they have to Kalgoorlie and Boulder.

This past weekend I attended the Sunset at the Soundshell Concert at Centennial Park to watch Katelyn Ann from Hearts of Gold, Black Venom and Eskimo Joe perform.

There was a time, before the bean-counters took over, that the provision of essential services such as power and water were not seen as a cash-cow for the government.

Thursday week ago, I saw a Pacific National freight train head through the Throssell Street crossing heading west.

As some normality returned this week, one gets a feeling it may be brief… I feel the mass Esperance exodus is shortening and we are back at work sooner.

I am always proud of the special institutions and events that are unique to the Goldfields and stand us apart from the rest of the world.

When Premier Mark McGowan comes here specifically to help lift the local vaccination rate, you know we are in trouble.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder residents have one last chance to nominate a deserving person for the 2022 Australia Day Awards, for outstanding achievement during 2021, and I hope to see a rush of nominations come flooding through on Monday.

I would like to wish all our residents a very happy holiday season as we move into December.

It is that time of year again that the City Council considers the next inductees into the Walk of Fame, while later this month the next two sporting champions will be unveiled for the Goldfields Sporting Hall of Fame.

Earlier this week I was confronted with a very good question: “Which councillor were you most pleased to see elected last Saturday night”?

I recall our parents saying how hopeless we were, with our long hair, poor manners and lack of discipline.

At times, I think I harp on the need to encourage “buy local” but every time I doubt my own philosophy, something comes along to reinforce my stance.

I write this week’s Mayoral column with a heavy heart, with today being the last day that John Walker is the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

There is a feeling of helplessness about standing up to the State Government’s first real abuse of the massive power it accumulated at the last election.

As mayor, I often hear how fantastic our facilities are, especially our two Town Halls. As a community, we are so proud of these beautiful buildings, and each town thinks it’s hall is the best!

A one hour and 28 minute scramble for tickets has given a good indication that this year’s Race Round will be a success.

This week I experienced for the first time what our fellow Australians have been subjected to in recent weeks; I was in a lock-down and I didn’t like it.

One of the most anticipated projects since I have been Mayor has been the relaying of footpaths in Hannan Street and Burt Street.

On Monday night, I was proud to see Council adopt the City biggest budget ever, with a planned expenditure of $135million for this financial year.

I’m always proud when Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a bit different to the rest of the world, and in the past I always supported local NAIDOC week celebrations being separate from the rest of the nation.

In recent weeks, we have lost three champions of Kalgoorlie-Boulder – two loyal employees and a legend of the Goldfields.

I wasn’t surprised to hear this week that the gates of the Kalgoorlie Police Station had been rammed again.

Your Kalgoorlie-Boulder City Councillors cherish our seniors.