Published on Monday, 22 June 2026 at 11:27:00 AM
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is proud to recognise Councillor Deborah Botica and Director Advocacy and Strategy Mia Hicks, who have each been awarded WALGA Local Government Merit Awards in acknowledgement of their outstanding contributions to local government and our community.
The awards were presented at the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) Local Government Awards held at WA Museum Boola Bardip.
The WALGA Local Government Merit Award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to local government and their communities through leadership, service and advocacy.
Mayor Glenn Wilson said the dual recognition reflected the significant impact both women had made on Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the wider region.
“Having two people from the City recognised at the WALGA Local Government Awards is something we’re very proud of,” Mayor Wilson said.
"Councillor Botica and Mia have served our community in different ways, but both share the same commitment to making our city a better place to live, work and raise a family."
More than three decades of service recognised
Cr Deborah Botica, the City's longest-serving Councillor, was recognised for more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community.
Born and raised in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Cr Botica has spent decades advocating for issues that matter to local people, including environmental health, community wellbeing, women's services, multicultural inclusion, preserving our heritage, the arts and support for families.
Her advocacy helped drive improvements to local air quality through her involvement with Gold Against Serious Pollution (GASP), contributed to the introduction of recycling initiatives long before they became commonplace, and supported the establishment of the Goldfields Women's Health Care Centre.
Throughout her time on Council, Cr Botica has built a reputation as a strong and independent voice for the community, bringing local concerns directly to the Council table and advocating for practical outcomes.
“Cr Botica has given more than 30 years of service to this community. She’s consistent, she speaks up on important issues, and she’s always focused on what’s best for our residents.”
“She’s been a strong advocate across a wide range of areas over a long period of time, and that contribution is recognised and appreciated.”
“This award is a fitting recognition of that lifelong commitment to service," he said.
Cr Botica previously received a WALGA Long and Loyal Service Award in 2012 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to local government.
Driving advocacy and regional outcomes
Director Advocacy and Strategy Mia Hicks was recognised for her leadership and contribution to local government for over more than two decades.
Since joining the City in 2021, Ms Hicks has played a key role in strengthening the City's strategic planning, advocacy capability and relationships with State and Federal Governments.
Her leadership has helped position Kalgoorlie-Boulder as a respected regional voice on major issues, including housing, water security, infrastructure, community safety, health and wellbeing, arts and culture, and strengthening relationships and engagement with First Nations communities.
Over the past five years, Mia has led or supported initiatives that have secured more than $56.5 million in government funding for community services, programs and infrastructure projects across Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
She has also overseen significant regional funding partnerships, delivering millions of dollars into the community through innovative brokerage models that support social services and alcohol and other drug treatment programs across the Goldfields.
“Mia has played a significant role in strengthening how the City liaises with state and federal governments and how we advocate for the community,” Mayor Wilson said.
“That work has helped secure funding for a range of projects and services, and it’s made a real difference in how we’re able to deliver for Kalgoorlie-Boulder.”
"Everything she does is driven by a genuine passion for our region and a desire to create opportunities for future generations."
Mayor Wilson said the recognition of both women highlighted the strength of leadership within the City and the broader community.
"Local government is ultimately about people making a difference in the lives of others," he said.
"Cr Botica and Mia embody that spirit of service every day.”
"On behalf of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, I congratulate them both on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their outstanding contribution to our community."
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