02 November 2023

Council News

We welcome Cr Mark Leonard as the new Shire President who was elected at an Ordinary Council Meeting on October 24, 2023.

Shire President Leonard’s appointment comes following the conclusion of former Shire President Mike Smith's most recent term. The former Shire President has been a member of Council since 2011 and has served three terms as Shire President since 2017.

This election the Shire of Irwin was required by the Department of Local Government to reduce the number of Councillors from 8 to 7, meaning only 3 positions were available.

As only three Councillor nominations were received, all positions were filled and therefore no election was required this year. The returning Councillors are Andrew Gillam and Hayley Palmer and we welcome Peter Summers.

Councillor Barry Wyse was elected as Deputy Shire President.

Shire President Mark Leonard, who will hold the position of Shire President for a two-year term, thanked his colleagues for their confidence.

“I feel deeply grateful and privileged for the trust my colleagues have shown in me. I eagerly anticipate the ongoing collaboration within our Shire, and I am enthusiastic about the possibilities for advancing our region,” Shire President Leonard said.

“Having served on Council since 2013 I am fully aligned with the community’s aspirations of growth and sustainability and will continue the work of my predecessor to make this happen.”

The Shire of Irwin acknowledges and thanks former Shire President Mike Smith for his years of commitment and dedication to the Irwin Shire Council.

During his tenure as Shire President, Cr Smith served as a forward-thinking and progressive leader, playing a pivotal role in numerous significant projects.

These initiatives included substantial investments in the Rural Roads Program, the Surf Beach Stabilisation Project, the completion of the Henry Road independent living accommodation, the Moreton Terrace revitalisation project and the creation of the Port Denison Foreshore Masterplan.

The former Shire President also fostered the growth of industry in the region with the creation of the Irwin Arrowsmith Advisory Council, with a commitment to ensuring that the interests of industry align with those of our community and that every individual within the Shire reap the benefits of this growth.

Furthermore, during the challenging times of the COVID era, Cr Smith effectively managed the budget, providing stability and support to the community.

This month we held our Shire of Irwin Industry Expo and we would like to thank the community members and industry representatives who turned out to support this important event.

The Expo was intended to be a platform for our community, local businesses, and industry to engage in meaningful conversations about the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for our region.

We have long foreseen the upcoming economic expansion and the Shire of Irwin has been working tirelessly over the past few years to align the interests of industry with those of our community. Our goal is simple: to ensure that every individual within the Shire reaps the benefits of this growth.

These opportunities are a direct result of the remarkable growth of the mining and resource sector in the Arrowsmith corridor and the potential for collaboration between the community, our local businesses and industry is immense. The Shire was keen to host Industry Expo so the community could gain a deeper understanding of these projects and plan for the future.

We thank Mitsui E&P Australia (MEPAU), Beach Energy Ltd, Mineral Resources Limited, Pilot Energy Limited, VRX Silica Sand, Iluka Resources, Infinite Green Energy and Seatransport Pty Ltd for their commitment to work hand in hand with our community. Thanks also to Sandra Carr, Mid West Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Mid West Development Commission for their ongoing support.

Our gratitude also goes to Dark Horse Event Hire, Dongara Hotel, Sunset Takeaway Diner and Woop Woop Coffee for helping make the event a success.

Former Shire President message

As I am sure you are by now aware I have retired from Council and as Shire President.

I would like to offer my congratulations to Councillor Leonard for his successful nomination as Shire President and Councillor Wyse as Deputy. I would also like to congratulate and welcome Councillor Peter Summers to the fold.

It has been an honour and privilege to serve the Irwin community, as a Councillor, which I have done since 2011 and then for three terms as Shire President. I firmly believe in the potential of our region and that in the next few years we are going to see rapid growth and a surplus of opportunity for all members of our community. I will be eagerly watching its progression from the side lines as a very invested community member.

I thank you all for the support and trust you have shown in me over the years.

Know Someone Great?

Nominations have been extended for the Community Citizen of the Year Awards!

The Shire of Irwin invites you to nominate an outstanding local hero or group for one of the Community Citizen of the Year Awards to be presented on Australia Day, Thursday 26 January 2024.

The awards foster, recognise and celebrate significant contributions to community life and active citizenship. The recipients will be selected from people and groups who have made a noteworthy contribution to the local community.

For more information on the awards visit www.citizenshipawards.com.au

Nominations close on November 20 and can be submitted online www.irwin.wa.gov.au/community-and-recreation/australia-day or at the Shire Administration Building.

For any queries, please contact Mikayla at the Shire on 9927 0000.

Container Milestone

Give yourselves a clap Shire of Irwin!! We have hit another huge milestone at the Transfer Station with the 6 millionth container deposited through the Containers for Change WA scheme by local environmental warrior Fiona Bombara.

That’s 6 million containers that will go on to be recycled and live another day! 6 million containers we have saved from going into landfill!

And it is not just the environment that has benefited, several local community organisations have gained from our town’s efforts. The Lions Club, RSL, Men in Sheds and St John WA- Irwin District have been the beneficiaries from people choosing to donate their 10-cent refund.

For her efforts Fiona received a $100 gift voucher from Dongara Sport & Tackle from CDS staff.

To download the latest edition of our Community Update click here