Councillors reject double cut move 4 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, MARCH 16, 2023
A MOVE to have Collie shire councillor numbers reduced from 11 to nine at the October Local Government elections has been defeated. Two of the five councillors not up for election this year suggested that the number be reduced at this election rather than the model proposed by staff who recommended the reduction to nine councillors takes place over two election cycles (2023 and 2025). The staff recommendation meant numbers would go down to 10 in 2023 and nine in 2025. Crs Leonie Scoffern and Elysia Harverson, however, felt the number should be reduced by two this year, meaning there would be no need for further reductions in 2025. The terms of six councillors expire in
October this year, with all of the male councillors affected. Cr John Kearney said the proposed motion would reduce the number of councillors quicker than was needed. Cr Joe Italiano questioned the motion saying it was “a bit disingenuous” for two councillors not up for election to propose the cut. He added that the council had objected to the reduction proposal when it was first raised, advising the minister that it felt 11 was the right number for Collie. “I am against reducing the representation around this table,” Cr Italiano said. “The more input we get from a variety of people is to the benefit of our ratepayers.” Cr Gary Faries said he was against the full reduction happening this year. “Just because we agree to recommend a
reduction to nine doesn’t mean we’d have nine sitting around the table,” he said. “We might say this is what we want, but the minister might say we should have even less. I speak against this.” Chief executive officer Stuart Devenish said council could volunteer to accept a reduction or the minister could pass legislation which would set the number. The amendment was lost, eight votes against and three for. Crs Faries and Italiano then moved the original recommendation, to cut the numbers over two election cycles, and this was carried unanimously. The recommendation will go to the Local Government Advisory Board and be forwarded to the minister. The minister has the power to set the number of councillors to what he thinks is appropriate.
Gold nuggets stolen from festival stall A VISITING business had two gold nuggets, valued at $800, stolen from a Labour Day weekend festival stall. Australian Earth Wear owner Steven Smith said the theft of the nuggets, made into pendants, had left him “very disappointed”. He reported the theft to local police and provided closed circuit television (CCTV) footage of those he believes responsible.
Disability reform consultation A CONSULTATION process is underway to reform and modernise Western Australia’s disability legislation. The engagement process is the first step in the process to identify relevant concerns, solutions and ideas for reform. A consultation paper has been developed as a general guide to the consultation, including the principles applicable to people with disability; appropriate safeguards for people with disability; the access and inclusion needs of people with disability; and ongoing service provision for specific cohorts. The consultation is open until June 10 and can be accessed at the WA Government’s website (department-of-communities - have your say). Feedback can be given online in writing to Department of Communities, Strategy & Partnerships (Office of Disability) Locked Bag 5000 Fremantle WA 6959
“I’ve had no luck with getting them back and the police haven’t been in contact with me either as yet,” he said. “I’m very disappointed in this as this is my business and I work hard to give people quality jewellery at affordable prices.” Anyone with any information about the gold nugget theft should contact local police.
WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL: Students Macie Curteis, Cooper Sermnok, Brandon Garlett, Riley Ladiges and Axel Rankin have welcomed Wilson Park’s new acting principal, Jennifer McCarthy, to the school.
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WILSON Park’s acting principal, Jennifer McCarthy, has served in the Kimberley and the wheatbelt, and is now experiencing the south west for the first time. Before her transfer to Collie from Dumbleyung, Ms McCarthy had passed through the town on her way from the wheatbelt to the coast, but had never stopped here. Now based here and settling into her new school, she intends to make students’ needs her focus. Time spent in the student services’ department has given her great experience and she believes in providing extra support for students who need it, including those with a disability, or with behavioural problems. “I am happy to be in a small school where you can really get to know the students, rather than a metropolitan school where you just can’t get to know them all by
name,” Ms McCarthy said. “I like to get to know the children as individuals.” Another aspect of Collie schools which pleases her is the way all five schools work together, and share resources. One of her out-of-school pastimes is eating out, so she finds the number of good eateries in Collie an attraction she intends to explore. She has already joined a book club, and plans to take up golf. “I’ve been told there’s a lady who teaches beginners, so I am looking forward to that,” she said. The school’s previous principal retired, so Ms McCarthy’s appointment is temporary. The permanent position has been advertised and will be decided down the track, but she has already applied for it. “It’s a lovely little school,” she said.
