Hear what each of your newly or re-elected councillors had to say during the official swearing in of council

Five councillors have officially been sworn in to the 2025 Kalgoorlie-Boulder council, with mayor Glenn Wilson “excited” to see council’s progress during the next two years.

Crs Terrence Winner, Carla Viskovich and Deborah Botica were re-elected at Saturday’s election, with Ric Halse and Vanessa Walker-Dunstan joining the table as new councillors.

During Monday night’s official swearing in, each of the newly or re-elected councillors made a speech to thank those who supported them.

Cr Halse thanked his parents — particularly his mother for giving him his ability to ‘argue a lot” — as well as his children and those who voted for him.

“Honestly, I didn’t think that I would get as many votes as I did, and quite honestly, I thought that maybe a seat wasn’t even possible,” he said.

“So, I’m very humbled by the amount of votes, and I’m going to do my best.

“I will make mistakes, we all make mistakes — hopefully not too big mistakes — but I’m genuine to say this, that unity around this table is essential.

“We’ve got some real big issues, some really big social issues, big developments, all these things coming up really quickly, so I’m happy to work with everybody to get the job done, and I know we can.”

Cr Winner said he was “truly honoured and humbled” to be able to continue serving the community as a councillor.

“It’s been an enormous privilege that I don’t take lightly, and I’m deeply grateful for the trust that our residents have placed in me to represent them for another term,” he said.

“To the people of our community, thank you, whether you voted for me this time, offered a kind word or simply shared your thoughts about how to make our city a better place, please note that your voice matters and that I’m here to keep listening and working hard for you.

“While I am deeply sad to have lost a highly valued and hard-working councillor, Nadia Turner and former councillor Linden Brownley before her, I’m very excited by the opportunity to work with our two newest councillors and have their views and ideas added to the collective.

“As I begin the next term, I’m as motivated as ever to keep working together, to listen and to make decisions which will help shape the strong and inclusive, thriving community that we all love.”

Cr Viskovich said she was grateful to still have a seat around the table and thanked everyone who supported her throughout the campaign.

“Serving on council is a privilege and I’m committed to continuing the work we’ve started, making decisions that are balanced, practical and in the best interest of the people who live here.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.

“I’ll keep showing up, doing the work and representing this community with integrity and commitment.”

Cr Walker-Dunstan used her speech to thank the community for putting their trust in her to represent the community and thanked the former councillors for their hard work.

She said the community rallied behind her during the campaign, helping hand out pamphlets or put up corflutes, and she was excited to be a voice for them.

Cr Botica, who has served on the council consecutively for 30 years, said she still felt honoured to be elected by the community and would continue to work hard for them.

“My family first arrived in Kalgoorlie-Boulder in 1896 so I’m a fifth generation . . . so the city is very close to my heart,” she said.

“I was born in this city, I’ve raised my five children in this city too, and over the years I’ve seen this community grow and thrive and I definitely want to keep its momentum for future generations.

“Kalgoorlie-Boulder has so much potential and we have to ensure that the right decisions are made and it receives the outcomes for the community.

“As you know, we can never make any promises, but I will ensure that I speak up without fear or favour and make the right decisions.”

Mayor Glenn Wilson congratulated each of the elected councillors and gave thanks to former Crs Nardia Turner and Linden Brownley for the efforts they made during their time on council.

Mr Brownley resigned before the election following the death of his father and Ms Turner was unsuccessful in a bid to retain her seat on Saturday.

“I’d just like to give a word of thanks to the previous council who represented the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder — two years go very quick, and during that two-year journey, the following two years tends to get set up,” he said.

“The fruits of that journey will continue to progress for the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder over the course of this next term and beyond into the future.

“We now have a very solid stepping stone moving forward.

“I’m now excited to see the next two years.”

The council will have its first ordinary council meeting on Monday night where several motions will be put forward for debate, including a proposed extension to a local day care, lease renewals and the new council meeting schedule.

The minutes of the audit, risk and improvement committee has also been listed as a confidential item.