New Board Set to Drive Opportunities in the Goldfields-Esperance Region.
The Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission Board of Management has undergone a significant transition, welcoming five new members.
- Kate Mills appointed as Chair of the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission.
- Outgoing Chair Terrence Winner concludes a six-year tenure.
Kate Mills is a prominent community leader and economic development practitioner, now based in the Northern Goldfields, working in local Government. She has worked extensively with regionally based organisations to build their capacity, sourced funding and project managed major initiatives across the region. Ms Mills provides expertise in governance, strategic planning and community engagement. Furthermore, Ms Mills brings a wealth of knowledge in regional development, having worked in many regional development roles and previously served on the GEDC board from 2018 to 2021.
Ms Mill’s appointment follows the departure of outgoing chair Terrence Winner, who has served as a strong regional leader on the GEDC Board for the past six years. Appointed Chair in August 2023, Mr Winner has provided strategic direction to the Commission, with a focus on economic diversification and a passion for addressing the region’s social challenges, whilst fostering collaboration and strong relationships.
Incoming Board members, joining current Ministerial representative Jaimen Hudson include:
- Glenn Wilson, Deputy Chairperson
Glenn Wilson is the current Mayor of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, serving on the council since 2015 and elected to the Mayoral position in 2023. Mr Wilson is a strong advocate on securing better resources and investment for the Goldfields region, particularly in the areas of power and water security. - Patrick Hill, Member
Patrick Hill is a long-serving Shire President of the Shire of Laverton, first elected to the local Government in 1992. Mr Hill is a strong advocate for community safety and welfare in the Northern Goldfields and is a prominent spearhead of the Outback Way project, a transformational and nationally significant infrastructure project. - Anna Bonney – Member
Anouska “Anna” Bonney is a prominent local community leader and advocate based in Esperance. Ms Bonney is widely recognised for her work in community development, youth engagement and championing First Nations culture within the region. Currently Community Development Manager for the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, Ms Bonney works to inspire and empower local youth. - Chelsie Grace – Member
Chelsie Grace is a prominent educational leader based in Kalgoorlie. Currently serving as the Business Manager for the Goldfields University Department of Rural Health, boosting the rural health workforce and supporting students in regional placements. Mrs Grace is widely recognised for her strong relationships within the Goldfields community and her efforts to improve education and healthcare training outcomes in the region.
“I’m honoured to be appointed Chair of the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission. The region has enormous strengths and there is a great deal of opportunity ahead for our communities and economy, if we are bold enough to chase them.
As Chair, I want to listen, to collaborate and to focus on practical outcomes that deliver lasting benefits for the region. I look forward to working alongside the newly assembled GEDC Board and Commission team to build on what is already strong, pursue new opportunities and help shape an ambitious future for the Goldfields-Esperance region.” – Kate Mills