WA Local Government Minister, Hannah Beazley, has announced the appointment of highly experienced and respected member of the Kimberley community, Jeff Gooding PSM, as Commissioner of the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley.
The appointment was made following the resignation of five councillors from the nine-member council.
The Local Government Act 1995 provides that a Commissioner can be appointed to fulfil the role of the council and exercise its powers if more than half of the council becomes vacant.
As required under the Act, the remaining four councillor positions have been declared vacant.
A Public Service Medal recipient, Mr Gooding (pictured) has 46 years’ experience working at senior levels of local and State government in the Kimberley region.
He is a former chief executive officer and board member of the Kimberley Development Commission and currently serves as an elected member of the Wyndham-East Kimberley Shire council, as well as previously holding senior positions in numerous community groups in the region.
“Jeff Gooding has a wealth of experience at senior levels of local and State government in the Kimberley region and is a well-respected administrator,” said Minister Beazley.
“I am confident Mr Gooding will provide stability and good governance as Commissioner at the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley until elections are held in October.
“Residents and ratepayers of the Derby and West Kimberley region can be assured that the governance and functions of the council will be fulfilled to a high standard under Mr Gooding’s leadership.
“I urge the people of Derby and West Kimberley to turn out and vote in the upcoming local government elections so they can have their say on the make-up of their new council.”
Mr Gooding’s appointment as Commissioner will take effect from Friday and continue until the local government elections are held on 18 October 2025, when a new council will be elected.
