Shire of Coolgardie makes strides in celebrating and supporting local talent.

Published on Wednesday, 22 May 2024 at 12:16:56 PM

The Shire of Coolgardie is delighted to announce the development of its first Creative and Cultural Plan (the Plan). The Plan seeks to build a creative identity for the Shire that celebrates the rich culture, diversity and creative talent in the region, and reflects the uniqueness of the Coolgardie and Kambalda towns.

In May 2023, the Shire was awarded a $46,000 ex GST grant from the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) to develop its first Creative and Cultural Plan. The Shire underwent a robust co-design process with key stakeholders and engaged the local community through 16 one-on-one interviews, two community workshops, four youth pop ups and by reviewing 150+ responses from an online survey.

Over the course of five years (2024 – 2028), the Plan magnifies the role that local art, artists, First Nations and industry play in the social, cultural, economic and artistic vibrancy of the Shire, which will in turn, enrich the community. The Plan itself includes original artwork commissioned by the Shire, by Debbie Carmody and storyteller Alison Dimer.

Malcom Cullen, Shire President said “The Creative and Cultural Plan has truly been written in partnership with the community. It aims to inspire people to contribute their artistic expression to the broader community or become involved in celebrating the creativity of others. By working together, we can bring more and more dimensions of vitality to this place.”

Chris Edmondson, musician & radio presenter, said “Being from the Goldfields originally, my work often sees me return to the Shire. Coming back here is like entering another world – there’s nowhere else like it in WA. Coolgardie has a genuine quiet and calm. A place where any conversation can be the seed of the idea that becomes your art”

Separated into four Focus Areas, Connect, Prosper, Celebrate, and Inspire, each Focus Area works to strengthen the four key pillars of Coolgardie’s community. It will also support the Shire’s Community Strategic Plan. The Shire will have varied levels of involvement in each action, ranging from Promoter, Advocate, Convener, Supporter, Partner, and Provider.

Collaborating on these initiatives and launching the actions is an exciting project for the Shire, stakeholders, and their community.

The Shire of Coolgardie would like to thank the organisations and individuals who have engaged with this project, in particular, Creating Communities.

To view a copy of the plan please visit your local recreation centre, addresses below or click here for a digital copy.

Kambalda Community Recreation Facility

Barnes Drive, Kambalda West, Kambalda

Coolgardie Community Recreation Centre

Sylvester Street, Coolgardie

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