Published on Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at 9:19:56 AM
L to R: Cr Tammee Keast, Hon David Michael MLA, Minister for State Development; Economic Diversification; Finance; Electoral Affairs; and Goldfields-Esperance, Shire of Coolgardie Chief Executive Officer, Sabine Taylor, Shire President, Paul Wilcox and Deputy President, Tony Ball.
The Shire of Coolgardie was pleased to welcome Hon David Michael MLA, Minister for State Development; Economic Diversification; Finance; Electoral Affairs; and Goldfields-Esperance, to Coolgardie on Sunday, 4 October.
Minister Michael met with Shire President Paul Wilcox, Deputy President Tony Ball, Councillors Daphne Simmons, Julie-Ann Williams, and Tammee Keast and Shire Chief Executive Officer, Sabine Taylor at the Coolgardie Council Chambers to discuss local priorities, opportunities and challenges facing the community.
Joining the Minister were James Rowe JP, Senior Policy Advisor, and Kris Starcevich, Chief Executive Officer of the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission.
The visit provided an opportunity for Council representatives to engage directly with State Government and regional development leaders, ensuring local issues and aspirations remain front of mind.
Discussions covered a range of matters affecting the Shire, with councillors sharing community concerns, future opportunities and ideas for continued growth and development. Minister Michael also provided feedback on how he and the State Government may be able to support local priorities into the future.
Opening the meeting, Minister Michael acknowledged the Shire's current situation and congratulated Council on the significant progress made over the past year as it continues to strengthen the organisation's long-term sustainability.
Following the meeting, Minister Michael and his delegation visited the Coolgardie Visitor Centre and Museum, gaining further insight into the region's rich history and the important role tourism continues to play in the local economy.
Shire President, Paul Wilcox welcomed the opportunity to showcase the progress being made across the Shire and advocate for the needs of the community.
"It was encouraging to have Minister Michael visit Coolgardie to hear firsthand about both the opportunities and challenges facing our communities.
We appreciated the chance to discuss local priorities, share the progress the Shire has made over the past year, and explore ways the State Government can continue to support projects that will benefit our residents, businesses and visitors."
Chief Executive Officer, Sabine Taylor said the visit highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with State Government and regional stakeholders.
"Visits such as this provide a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the work being undertaken across the Shire and to build productive partnerships that support long-term outcomes for our community.
We were pleased to receive recognition for the progress made in strengthening the Shire's position and look forward to continuing conversations that help deliver positive outcomes for our residents and the wider region.”
The Shire of Coolgardie thanks Minister Michael, Mr Rowe and Mr Starcevich for taking the time to visit the community and looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the State Government and regional partners to support the future growth and prosperity of the Shire.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Joy Charlton
Communication and Media Officer
P: 9080 2111
M: 0438 675 404
E: comms@coolgardie.wa.gov.au
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