Published on Friday, 8 August 2025 at 4:35:41 PM
Every August, Diggers & Dealers brings a certain buzz to Kalgoorlie-Boulder – and this year was no different. More than 2,700 delegates arrived for one of the world’s biggest mining forums, and once again, our city put on a show.
Yes, Kalgoorlie-Boulder is known for gold. But it’s the people – the ones who live here, run businesses, who open their homes to visitors, serve up local hospitality, and keep our community ticking, who really make this event shine. That’s the part you don’t always see in the headlines.
This year’s Forum highlighted the strength of the Gold Price rising over 40% since last year`s forum, and there was plenty of discussion of the strength of the ASX-listed Gold Miners. There were also robust discussions about the future of energy, including the role of nuclear and Net zero, some nervousness about the future of critical minerals and lithium.
The forum started off the back of the Topdrill Resources Industry Sundowner Fundraiser, which raised over $478,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Full Circle Therapies. Congratulations to everyone involved on an exceptional effort. At the same time, some national coverage focused on the challenges we face - FIFO, housing shortages, water security, and energy supply. These are real challenges, and we won’t shy away from them - but it’s important to tell the full story.
Take FIFO. While the City will always advocate for a strong residential workforce, the reality is that skilled labour is hard to come by, especially when unemployment is already low. Mining companies aren’t choosing FIFO to avoid the local community; they’re doing it because the demand for workers far outpaces supply. That’s why this Council is working hard to make Kalgoorlie-Boulder a place where people want to live, not just work.
The housing shortage has been building over the years, and it’s not just about zoning or planning – it’s land supply, materials, and skilled trades. We’re doing what we can - releasing more land, streamlining approvals, and urging the State Government to unlock more development-ready land.
Water and power have long needed attention. We’ve been advocating for progress and long-term investment, and it’s starting to come through, especially at the State level. The State’s $580 million upgrade to the Mundaring pipeline and a proposed $150 million vanadium battery are big steps forward, not just for us but for the region. These aren’t quick fixes, but they are signs of long-overdue investment finally being delivered.
Some are saying Kalgoorlie-Boulder is at risk of becoming a “donga town.” I don’t accept that. Our current rental market has a mere 50 – 60 properties for residential lease, with only 110 properties for sale. Where do we house people if they want to live in our city? Mining will always be part of our story, but so is sport, arts, hospitality, small business, education, and family life. A place where people know your name and care about what happens next. We’re a proud community with a rich history and a big future.
As part of our recently endorsed budget, we’ve committed $10 million in funding to build a permanent all-weather pavilion, not just for Diggers but for community events all year round. We’re also investing over $80 million in infrastructure, safety, liveability, and things that make our city feel like home.
Because long after the marquees come down, Kalgoorlie-Boulder keeps going. We keep building, planning, and backing our future.
The gold rush may have put us on the map, but it’s the people who stay, who build homes, who run businesses, and raise families, who make it what it is today.
Let’s keep building on that.
Mayor Glenn Wilson
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
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