John Matthew | Government official

John Matthew

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24.01.2022 2,438 Thank You’s At the end of counting in last week’s Council election, I was unsuccessful in being elected. On the one hand, that’s disappointing; on the other, I am grateful to the individuals who lent their support mostly unsolicited and to 2,438 people who voted for me. ... That’s humbling, especially as I have quite recently returned to Kalgoorlie after 18 years away. Given the transitory nature of our population, that means there are a great many people who don’t know me. It was always going to be tough. It was, although I only fell short of a seat at the table by 200-odd votes. Next time? Who knows? I’ll judge that at the time. In the meantime, I will do everything I can from the outside to encourage Council to consider and preferably, to implement the basis of my platform. That is, to greatly improve the image of Kalgoorlie Boulder to the outside world. And, in the meantime, I have other interests and projects to pursue. One is Artgold, of which I am Chairman; I have ideas and plans and, with the excellent committee, I’m sure we can promote arts and culture in the Goldfields as a means of strengthening the fabric of the city. The other is my business, where we’re committed to providing tools and support for small to medium businesses the backbone of our community. Add in other personal interests and I have plenty to do. Again, thank you to those who supported me and my best wishes to the new Councillors.

21.01.2022 Hello again! As you may be aware, I have nominated for the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Extraordinary Election. Although I was unsuccessful in the vote last year, I was humbled and grateful to the individuals who lent their support and to 2,438 people who voted for me given I only returned to the city a few years ago. I consider this new election as a bonus opportunity to get to know voters and to share my story because I truly love our community and I am passionate about progressing our city. - John #KalgoorlieBoulder #Kalgoorlie #localgovernment #community #progress #positivepromotion #election #city #opportunity #westernaustralia #regionalwa

21.01.2022 A final word before voting closes at 6pm...

19.01.2022 This morning, I was interviewed by Ivo Da Silva at ABC Goldfields-Esperance regarding my candidacy for the forthcoming extra-ordinary election. Among the several questions Ivo asked was what made me a better candidate than the others or words to that effect. My response was that I do not consider myself better, but different. Different in that I have had 40 years’ experience as a small business owner, the last 20 of which have been involved as a business coaching, delvin...g deeper into the issues surrounding small business ownership. This gives me a unique insight into the challenges in this arena. Given that our community deals with business on a daily basis, I believe that it is vital that we have a strong business sector; one that can be strong for our community and for the customers and clients it serves. It is very much a two-way street: if the business sector is strong, it can be a great contributor to the community. On the other hand, if the community supports local businesses, it assists in providing individual businesses the wherewithal to provide the support back to the community. This understanding is essential on Council. I do not suggest that other Councillors do not have this understanding. However, my experience will strengthen that knowledge so that Council can make decisions that provide support to business and the community in general. The interview will go to air tomorrow, Tuesday 11 February at 7.10am after which it will be available as a podcast.

18.01.2022 It’s a Tight Race for Council! People have approached me, voicing their concerns and their ideas regarding the issues facing Kalgoorlie Boulder, both verbally and in writing. To me, this is a little disconcerting it’s as though I was elected!... People also ask if I am confident of winning and my answer is No!. The fact is, that I am far from assured of being elected and all candidates are worthy in their own way. However, if you want to have a strong voice representing electors, and you believe I can be that voice, please cast your vote today. On the other hand, if you have not yet voted because you’re unsure, please feel free to call me and ask what I stand for I’ll be more than happy to talk about it. From now on, it may be advisable to deliver ballot papers to Council offices in lower Hannan Street, rather than by mail. This will ensure your vote counts.

13.01.2022 Council is a team. Individual councillors can do little, other than contribute ideas and opinions to the collective. Therefore, they are members of a team and the team is only as good as the total of the contributions. Ideas for the future of the city however, are not limited to councillors - as I’ve said for years no-one has a mortgage on good ideas - and that’s what good communication with the community is all about.... So, working within a team dedicated to a better city is something I look forward to, if you elect me to Council.

11.01.2022 Positive promotion beyond city walls... #City #Opportunity #KalgoorlieBoulder #Kalgoorlie #localgovernment #community #progress #positivepromotion #election #westernaustralia #regionalwa

08.01.2022 Viewpoint - published in the Kalgoorlie Miner, 27 Feb 2020 Current challenges must be met with an understanding of the past and of the likely impacts into the future. Growing up in Kalgoorlie allows me to look back at the decisions that were made for our community along the way. With that in mind, I look forward to what’s going to be required into the future. For example, let’s look at our streetscapes: we have extremely wide roads with wide verges and street trees. The widt...Continue reading

06.01.2022 It’s nearly too late.. Almost 75% of eligible voters are yet to have their say in who makes up the new City Council. Are you one yet to cast your vote?... If you want to live in a place with a better future; where people want to come to live; that has an even better community; where house prices increase; where your investment is safer please make your vote count. Votes will need to be received by mail on Friday or, in person, 6pm on Saturday at Council Offices. If you’re posting your ballot papers, please do so today. I am still determined, if elected, to ensure the image of Kalgoorlie Boulder is improved, by means of a platform that tells positive stories the real stories of our community so that we stand a better chance of restoring our growth through an increased population. If you agree with me and want to help, but haven’t yet voted or know someone who hasn’t please get on the positive image bandwagon with me. Thank you.

06.01.2022 Reversing the trends of urbanisation; embracing life in the regions... Warning, this is a long post! If people were to be encouraged to leave the comfort zones of city life, they would find life here rewarding and exciting, by comparison....Continue reading

06.01.2022 An existing snippet of what I propose in the promotion of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

03.01.2022 Please exercise your right. Most electors for the extraordinary election in Kalgoorlie Boulder will have received (or will be this week) their ballot papers. The important message here is to think carefully about your options and then to post your vote. Whether you vote for me or another candidate is not nearly as important as actually casting your vote. There are two things to remember:... 1 You lose the right to criticise when you choose not to vote 2 You get the Council you deserve In other words, the Council gets elected, not chosen and you have the opportunity now to be part of that election process. Please take advantage of this opportunity and have your say as to the right person you believe should represent you on Council.

01.01.2022 Forget the post, drop your ballot papers to the Council office instead. This will ensure your vote counts.

01.01.2022 My Greatest Concern... Everyone who owns a home in the city has a right to be concerned when the value of the investment in their property either loses value or does not keep up with values elsewhere. Real estate is all about supply and demand. The greater demand there is for property, the more likely the value will increase. In fact, that increased demand causes values to increase. That demand will only come from more people choosing to live in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and to buy... property here. There are plenty of jobs available, so that’s not the problem. It’s pretty obvious that, given the choice, people are choosing the FIFO option rather than to move here. And they’re making that choice, largely, because of the poor perceptions they have about life in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. And that is why I am determined that we should do everything possible to improve the perceptions people outside the city have of life here. You and I, as residents, know it’s a great lifestyle. We need (urgently, I believe) to get that message to people who might be making the choice of potentially, moving to Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Please help me in this aim by voting John Matthew in this election.