Published on Friday, 7 November 2025 at 12:16:00 PM
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder was a finalist and received an honourable mention at Wednesday’s 2025 Local Government Professionals WA Awards, in the Partnership and Collaboration category, for its Anti-Social Behaviour and Transitional Aboriginal Homelessness Study Project.
The Local Government Professionals WA Awards celebrate innovation and collaboration across the sector, honouring initiatives that deliver meaningful outcomes for communities throughout Western Australia.
CEO Andrew Brien said the recognition highlights the City’s proactive and partnership-driven approach to addressing complex social challenges, cementing its position as a leader in advocacy and community-led solutions.
“While we don’t undertake these projects for recognition, we appreciate how this honourable mention acknowledges the significant research and collaboration that went into this work, and we hope it also provides insights for other local governments across Australia to strengthen their own community initiatives in this space,” Mr Brien said.
“The lessons we’ve learned and the partnerships we’ve built will continue to guide our efforts as we advocate for better outcomes for all communities, especially our First Nations people.”
Over six months, as part of the research, the City consulted with more than 30 organisations across Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory - including Aboriginal leaders, local governments, police, health providers, and community organisations to identify culturally safe, locally led solutions to address the root causes of transitional Aboriginal homelessness and anti-social behaviour.
The study, endorsed by Council in April 2025, represents one of the most comprehensive studies ever undertaken by a local government in this field. It produced eight key recommendations to improve service delivery, coordination, and community outcomes. These include strengthening partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), improving data sharing, and establishing wrap-around supports, such as a proposed Community Paramedic model in collaboration with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Since the study’s release, the City has begun implementing its recommendations locally, including leading the Liquor Accord and the Summer Response Strategy, continuing the delivery of the Federal Government’s community-led support funding and advocating for improved infrastructure and services at state and federal levels.
The report’s influence has also extended nationally, informing policy dialogue and contributing to the City’s successful motion at the 2025 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly, which called for a coordinated federal response to transitional Aboriginal homelessness.
Mayor Glenn Wilson said the recognition reflected the strong collaboration and dedication of all partners involved. highlights the strength of collaboration and the City’s commitment to genuine, community-led outcomes.
“The City’s approach to this research was to go in with the intention to listen, to learn, and to understand what was really happening on the ground in other areas, and I commend the CEO and his team on their work throughout this project.”
“We found that the strongest outcomes come from community-led, culturally informed models backed by genuine partnership and consistent funding.”
“The City is proud to have received this honourable mention and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with all partners to drive positive, lasting change for Kalgoorlie-Boulder and across regional Australia,” said Mayor Wilson.
Anti-social Behaviour and Transitional Aboriginal Homelessness
Read the City's report calling for a national, place-based approach to address transitional Aboriginal homelessness and anti-social behaviour across regional Australia.
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