Published on Wednesday, 5 November 2025 at 11:16:52 AM
The spirit of healthy ageing, with a dash of competition, was on full display last week as the Shire of Coolgardie proudly hosted the 2025 CommHealth Games at the Kambalda Community Recreation Facility.
The CommHealth Games are designed especially for people aged 65 and over, highlighting the importance of staying active and socially engaged. Competitors participate in a range of adapted events from sit down volleyball and hockey to ten pin bowling and chair yoga.
The event was a collaborative effort between City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community and Recreation Officer, Renelda Chemaly, and Shire of Coolgardie Leisure and Recreation Manager, Kathy Brooking. Renelda shared that events like these are, “a vital lifeline for seniors which relieve isolation and give them the chance to feel part of something bigger.”
She added that the participants were “very much looking forward to the day, especially since Kalgoorlie were defending their champion title from last year. People may age, but they don’t lose their competitive streak! It’s great to see that passion continue.”
Renelda also praised the collaboration with the Shire team, saying that “Kathy and her staff have been so responsive — it’s been fantastic to work together.”
Following last year’s successful event hosted by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Shire of Coolgardie was delighted to carry the torch this year, welcoming seniors from across the region.
The day began with a welcoming morning tea, followed by an official opening, with Kambalda Pace Manager, Natalie Patten singing the National Anthem. Competitors warmed up with a round of Human Bingo to break the ice. From there, participants enjoyed a full day of events including lunch culminating in an awards ceremony where the Miners were crowned 2025 Champions.
Adding to the day’s activities, guest speaker Yogi from Addlife shared valuable insights into the importance of staying active at any age. He guided attendees through a series of gentle exercises that they could easily incorporate into their everyday lives.
Pictured: Competitor Reggie Arthur with City of Kalgoorlie Boulder Community and Recreation Officer, Renelda Chemaly.
Oldiest competitor, Reggie Arthur, at 95 encouraged others to join a team next year, saying, “Anyone over 65 should give it a go — the Eastern Goldfields Community Centre is a wonderful place to start if you want to be more social and active.”
For Reggie, the event was a nostalgic return, where he umpired his first football game over 40 years ago.
The Games were made possible through the combined efforts of City of kalgoorlie Boulder and Shire of Coolgardie staff, local volunteers, and community partners, including Addlife and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder community carers.
Pictured: Shire of Coolgardie Leisure & Recreation Development Officer, Carly Agot.
Shire of Coolgardie Leisure & Recreation Development Officer, Carly Agot, said the highlight of the day was the enthusiasm of the participants. “The energy from our seniors has been incredible. Everyone was ready to give it a go, cheer each other on, and poke a bit of fun too. Events like the CommonHealth Games play a vital role in strengthening social ties and intergenerational connections with junior Shire staff helping facilitate the event.”
Pictured: Junior Shire staff help facilitate the event.
Looking ahead, the Shire hopes to see the games continue to grow, with plans to rotate hosting duties between towns across the Goldfields. “We’d love to bring the event to Coolgardie again next year and keep building on the success of this year’s Games,” Carly said.
For more information on the Eastern Goldfields Community Centre please visit:
https://www.ckb.wa.gov.au/our-community/seniors/eastern-goldfields-community-centre.aspx
For more information on Seniors in the Shire of Coolgardie please visit: https://www.coolgardie.wa.gov.au/community/seniors
See the full gallery of images from the day here
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