Published on Friday, 11 March 2022 at 9:43:21 AM
Last week’s column may have been misleading.
In it I said that the streetscapes of Hannan and Burt Street define what locals think about in their fond memories of growing up in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Upon reflection I am reminded that what really defines our community and makes us great, is, of course, the people.
Buildings are important but it is the people in them, who determine the real character and what is special or different from one place to the next.
Demographer Bernard Salt said when he visited here five years ago that Kalgoorlie was more than a town, it was like a kingdom and that it had always batted above its weight.
We played a pivotal in reviving the colony’s economy when gold was first discovered in 1893 and eight years later led the rest of the State into the new nation of Australia, and ever since we have been a significant player on a state and national level from both an economic and social level.
Historians have reserved a special place for soldiers from Kalgoorlie in both world wars; often saying that our troops partied hard and played up but that when it came to fighting there were none better.
A quick browse of both sides of Hannan Street will impress you on amazing achievements on the sporting fields and in life and service to our community.
Sadly, this week has been a bad one for losing some of the best locals.
It started with the funeral in Perth of Marie Lalich – one of the most charming and gracious ladies you could ever meet.
Funerals were then held for Gay Morey, a much-loved former hospital matron; Ivy Eaton, who was loved by all who knew her and described as the nicest person and then David Bowdidge, a family man and quietly spoken administrator at the Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital.
All four were special people who touched the lives of many Goldfielders.
Then later this week came the sad death of a young man in his 30s, someone who was not well known and whose disabilities saw him lead a relatively sheltered life. But, like the others, Big Nick was a unique person and his passing has left a hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
All these people have helped make Kalgoorlie-Boulder what it is – the greatest place on earth.
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