Published on Wednesday, 7 May 2025 at 5:47:11 PM
Wednesday, 7 May 2025
Two weeks ago, I issued the first of my regular Commissioner’s Updates, that introduced myself and explained the role of Commissioner at the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley. Since then I’ve managed to catch up with many people both in Derby and Fitzroy Crossing, and also key contacts for the Shire in Perth. I’ll use this update to let you know how those activities unfolded.
First Council Meeting with Commissioner
I think it was important to keep the schedule of Council meetings happening, so with the intense support from Council Administration, I held the first Ordinary Council (Commissioner) Meeting on Thursday, 24 April 2025 at the Derby Council Chambers. This keeps the usual business of Local Government progressing. Several tenders were awarded, some administrative matters decided and some questions were answered from the public. The schedule for future Ordinary Council (Commissioner) Meetings have also been set, including the next meeting in Fitzroy Crossing on Thursday 22 May 2025.
Perth meetings and briefings
Last week, I organised several meetings with important Ministerial decision makers in Perth to provide an update on the Shire’s business and my role, but also to further extend their connections with our Community and Shire. Along with Chief Executive Officer Tamara Clarkson, I met with Hon Stephen Dawson MLC (Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research; Kimberley), to discuss common priorities and actions we can both progress. We also met with Hon Don Punch MLA (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; Water; Climate Resilience; South West) and Hon Hannah Beazley MLA (Minister for Local Government; Disability Services; Volunteering; Youth; Gascoyne). These are important connections for the Shire and Community and these ministerial contacts and the messages we can send are useful as we continue to make the most for our Shire and of these relationships. Good meetings all round. I also took the opportunity in Perth to meet with Chief Executive Officer and the General Manager Grants and Community Development of Lotterywest, an important partner, along with the Shire’s financial consultant, Moore Australia. Member for Kimberley, Divina D'Anna MLA and I, plan to connect with these and other decision makers regularly, so I can keep any issues and challenges we have in the Shire at the forefront of their thinking.
Jeff Gooding, Commissioner SDWK (left) pictured with Hon Hannah Beazley MLA, (middle) and Tamara Clarkson, Chief Executive Officer SDWK 30 April 2025
I also took the opportunity to meet with key decision makers at the Department of Transport’s Aviation branch. We’d all be aware of our air service connecting Derby with Broome. I view this as an important link, and despite low use, will work with the Department of Transport to see how we can partner to grow its usage and viability. I encourage all community members to consider this service, as it will only be through continued patronage, that we will be able to retain what is a heavily subsidised connection. More on this soon.
Fitzroy Crossing introduction to the Commissioner role
Yesterday, 6 May 2025, I spent in Fitzroy Crossing, connecting with residents, businesses and community groups, including the Fitzroy Valley Flood Recovery Working Group. I was also able to share an important milestone at the Tarunda IGA when the first Kimberley Agriculture & Pastoral Company (KAPCO) beef hit the store shelves. This is a highly significant development for both Wayne Bergmann, Chair of KAPCO and IGA as the first of their retail partners. Congratulations Wayne and KAPCO, it’s been a long and challenging road, but one that you have not swayed in the determination to bring high quality beef, produced from Kimberley Aboriginal stations to a beef hungry market. I personally wish both KAPCO and IGA well with the beef supply chain business. Integrated paddock to plate! Now it’s up to the community to support the product.
Jeff Gooding, Commissioner SDWK (left) pictured Wayne Bergmann celebrating the first Kimberley Agriculture & Pastoral Company (KAPCO) produce on the shelves at Tarunda IGA, Fitzroy Crossing, 6 May 2025
Plans going forward
Today, I engaged with the Administration and Leadership team as we continue to develop our go-forward budget.
I have with all Shire staff in Derby this morning and look forward to working with all on the important business of Local Government here in the West Kimberley.
Jeff Gooding
Commissioner, Shire of Derby/West Kimberley
Back to All News