Published on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 at 8:42:39 AM
Congratulations to the Shire's Waste Manager, Pergy Matsika on not only five years Service with the Shire but also for recently graduating from Curtin University with her Masters in Professional Engineering with a Bachelors in Environmental Engineering.
What position do you hold at the SoC?
Manager Waste Services
What qualifications do you hold?
Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering, Master of Professional Engineering
What do you enjoy most about working at the SoC?
The departments are made up of people with diverse ages, backgrounds, experiences, and areas of knowledge. This diversity brings different perspectives and ideas, which strengthens the work we do.
What do you hope to achieve while working at the SoC?
Waste management is costly, but adding a recycling bin to the kerbside collection would be a positive step. It would help reduce waste going to landfill and make it easier for residents to recycle
What are some of the highlights of your career?
Visiting Kambalda West District High School to educate students about waste management.
What tips can you give to anyone thinking about working in Waste Management?
There are many assumptions about waste management, but it is a complex field that requires technical knowledge, planning, and careful decision-making. The work we do is for the benefit of the whole community.
In waste management, decisions are based on facts, data, and regulations. While opinions and feedback are important, practical solutions come from evidence and sound engineering.
What would people be surprised to know about Waste Management?
Landfills are not just holes in the ground. They are carefully designed to protect the environment and public health.
Collecting, processing, recycling, and disposing of waste also takes a lot of time, planning, and effort. There are many stakeholders and people working behind the scenes to make sure waste is managed safely and responsibly.
What initiatives or projects are you most proud of, and how have they positively impacted the residents and businesses within the Shire?
Visiting Kambalda West District High School to educate students about waste management. I believe waste management is about behaviour change, and good habits can be nurtured from a very young age. Teaching students early helps build a community that cares about reducing waste and protecting the environment.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of the Shire of Coolgardie, and how do you envision your role in contributing to that future?
I am focused on providing practical recycling solutions and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. A key priority is delivering clear and effective waste education to the community, so residents understand how to manage their waste better.
I also believe in actively listening to the community to understand their waste challenges and expectations. By engaging with residents and stakeholders, I aim to develop and implement solutions that address their needs, improve services, and support more sustainable waste practices.
Back to All News