Housing, learning about culture, and building community connections feature in the visions of regional leaders for the coming year.
Shire of Broome president Chris Mitchell
Mr Mitchell said the Shire of Broome wanted to make the town an even better place to live and support a strong, connected community.
“A key priority is continuing to advocate for greater investment in housing, including funding for the Sanctuary Village Holiday Park and Key Worker Accommodation, while also calling on State and Federal governments to prioritise housing affordability in remote WA,” he said.
“We will also keep upgrading essential infrastructure such as shared paths to improve safety and accessibility, and continue investing in community services and facilities.
“These priorities reflect the shire’s commitment to delivering long-term social, environmental and economic benefits for Broome, in partnership with residents, local organisations and businesses.”
Mr Mitchell also plans to continue to lobby for the State Government to keep progressing with the Broome Safety Boat Launching Facility project.
Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna
Ms D’Anna said she intended to continue to focus on listening to Kimberley residents and making sure their concerns were reflected in Parliament.
“My goal is to also keep delivering practical improvements for our community, and my focus will be on three key areas: strengthening local health services, increasing access to affordable and secure housing, and supporting good local jobs so families can get ahead,” she said.
“I would like to spend some quality time with my family and friends and really enjoy everything the Kimberley has to offer.”
Dambimangari ranger Amelia Hurrell
Ms Hurrell said she wanted to take the next generation out to see the homelands where their ancestors walked and lived before colonisation.
The Wunambal, also known as Wunambal Gaambera, Uunguu, and other names, are an Aboriginal Australian people of the northern Kimberley region of WA.
Dambeemangaddee Country stretches along the Kimberley Coast from the Robinson River, just north of Derby, all the way to the Prince Regent River area in the North Kimberley.
“Our ancestors were strong leaders, warriors and hunters, and I want the next generation to come out and learn about our history,” Ms Hurrell said.
“Who they are and where they come from, understand and learn their songlines, their stories, their Dreamings.”
Wunambal Gaambera traditional owner and Uunguu ranger Jeremy Kowan
Mr Kowan said his goal was for young ones to learn the junba and the songs.
“We have got to get more and more young people to learn and share our culture,” he said.
“They gotta make the totems, dance corroborree and sing too.
“It is good for the young ones to carry on culture.”
Town of Port Hedland chair of commissioners Jessica Shaw
Ms Shaw said the greatest goal for her and fellow commissioners Martin Aldridge and Ron Yuryevich was to help support the community towards a successful local government election.
“Our focus is to steady the ship, to actively engage with the community, reflect and represent your interests, and rebuild confidence in local government before Saturday, March 28, when the Hedland community have their say on the shape of the future,” she said.
“If there is one key message we can send to the community, it is ‘vote!’
“It’s your town — and it’s your time.
“There is plenty of useful information about the election on the town’s website.
“We encourage you to stay informed, check your enrolment details, consider standing for council, and then cast your vote.”
On a personal note, Ms Shaw said she was constantly wanting to spend more time walking her dogs, getting more sleep, eating healthier foods, drinking more water, and spending more time with the people she cared about.
Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel
Mr Michel said it had been an honour to represent the community since his re-election March and he looked forward to continuing to do so.
“Recently I have been attending local school graduations and end-of-year community events, listening to locals about the issues that matter to them, and supporting our local clubs and community groups with sponsorships,” he said.
“As a government, we’ve been working hard on our election commitments and focusing on our priorities of jobs, health and housing.
“We’ve remained the strongest economy in the nation and we’re getting on with making more things here in WA.
“I am proud that we’ve been able to deliver real results in cost-of-living support, jobs, health care, education, infrastructure, and community safety.
“But there is always more to do, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for the Pilbara.”
Shire of East Pilbara president Anthony Middleton
Mr Middleton said 2026 would be about building a more resilient East Pilbara that was better equipped to support its people, its economy, and its future.
“We’re about to break ground on the new youth and community centre in Newman, which is a major investment in young people and in creating a shared space for connection, support and opportunity,” he said.
“Another key focus is repairing roads damaged by last year’s flooding.
“These roads are essential for safety, access and keeping our towns connected, and we’re continuing to push for fair and adequate emergency funding so repairs can be done properly, not simply patched up.
“We’re also progressing the redevelopment of the existing boat ramp at Cape Keraudren, the shire’s primary coastal access point and a key tourism and fishing destination. Improving safety and access at this site supports local jobs, tourism and regional liveability.
“Alongside this, we’re continuing detailed planning and design work on major infrastructure projects such as the Newman Airport redevelopment and upgrades to the town’s wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring we’re building the right foundations for future growth.”
Mr Middleton said the shire was also developing its new community strategic plan which would guide the shire over the next decade.
“We’re seeking community input through an online survey and local drop-in sessions to ensure it reflects local priorities, including supporting new and emerging industry to grow local services and create more employment opportunities,” he said.
“On a personal level, this year marks a new chapter for me after many years in the mining sector.
“My focus is staying healthy, staying grounded, and continuing to serve the East Pilbara.
“I’ll also continue to advocate strongly for the East Pilbara as a whole, to ensure our region gets the attention, investment and support it deserves.
“This is a tough but special place, and it’s a privilege to help shape its future.”
Care for Hedland founder Kelly Howlett
Ms Howlett said she wanted to share monitoring results and conservation data more widely to enhance evidence-based decision‑making for the Hedland environment and its management.
She also hoped to expand partnerships with government and industry to continue to secure long‑term program support, and champion initiatives that addressed climate change and built resilience in Hedland’s environment and community.
“As for personal goals, to read more books for leisure and explore new public speaking outlets that showcase Hedland’s innovative projects and grassroots successes to wider audiences,” she said.
“To encourage more women in leadership roles across civic and environmental sectors, and to partner with grassroots groups to strengthen cultural, environmental, and wellbeing projects.”
