A big thank you to the 90+ delegates from across the Wheatbelt, and the insightful presenters who all came together last week for the 2025 WALGA Great Eastern Country Zone Forum, held in Bruce Rock.
The Great Eastern Country Zone (GECZ) forum is held biennially and this year, offered delegates a jam-packed program covering important Local Government topics including, emergency management, community development, the renewable energy transition, and leadership.
After a Welcome to Country and words from WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP, Zone President Cr Tony Sachse and Shire of Bruce Rock President Cr Ramesh (Ram) Rajagopalan, delegates heard from Ms Caroline Robinson, Director and Company Secretary at Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia (SEGRA), who presented innovative ideas for sustainable growth, attracting investment, and strengthening regional communities.
Delegates also engaged with several panel sessions and briefings, including a panel discussion with DFES Chief Superintendent Andy Wright and Superintendent Damien Pumphrey, as well as closing session on renewable energy involving Sarah Derham from Collgar Renewables, and Dr Maureen Boyle from Curtin University.
Other sessions included ‘Future Local Leaders: Insights from experienced Elected Members’ where President Cr Alison Harris JP from the Shire of Cunderdin and President Cr Tracy Lefroy from the Shire of Moora highlighted the importance of leadership and peer support.
WALGA Manager of Economics Daniel Thomson and Chief Executive Officer of the Wheatbelt Development Commission Robert Cossart provided a wheatbelt economic snapshot, highlighting the State’s landscape and key trends.
A presentation of the services and activities delivered by Rural Health West and an overview of the Livingston Medical health model were also delivered by representatives from each company as part of the afternoon's 'Rural Health' session.
The Forum concluded with an address from the incoming Member for the Central Wheatbelt, Lachlan Hunter, before the formal declaration of results for the seat took place in the Bruce Rock Council Chambers.
Zone Chair, President Tony Sachse, extended his thanks to delegates for travelling from across the Wheatbelt to participate in this year’s forum.
“It’s great that Local Governments and community organisations across the Wheatbelt can come together to share perspectives and experiences in building for the future.”
“Every Local Government in the Wheatbelt must be creative and innovative to get the best outcomes for our communities. It’s great to see so many organisations working together for the future of our region.”
Thank you to all delegates, presenters and organisers who made this event possible.
The Great Eastern Country Zone (GECZ) forum is held biennially and this year, offered delegates a jam-packed program covering important Local Government topics including, emergency management, community development, the renewable energy transition, and leadership.
After a Welcome to Country and words from WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP, Zone President Cr Tony Sachse and Shire of Bruce Rock President Cr Ramesh (Ram) Rajagopalan, delegates heard from Ms Caroline Robinson, Director and Company Secretary at Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia (SEGRA), who presented innovative ideas for sustainable growth, attracting investment, and strengthening regional communities.
Delegates also engaged with several panel sessions and briefings, including a panel discussion with DFES Chief Superintendent Andy Wright and Superintendent Damien Pumphrey, as well as closing session on renewable energy involving Sarah Derham from Collgar Renewables, and Dr Maureen Boyle from Curtin University.
Other sessions included ‘Future Local Leaders: Insights from experienced Elected Members’ where President Cr Alison Harris JP from the Shire of Cunderdin and President Cr Tracy Lefroy from the Shire of Moora highlighted the importance of leadership and peer support.
WALGA Manager of Economics Daniel Thomson and Chief Executive Officer of the Wheatbelt Development Commission Robert Cossart provided a wheatbelt economic snapshot, highlighting the State’s landscape and key trends.
A presentation of the services and activities delivered by Rural Health West and an overview of the Livingston Medical health model were also delivered by representatives from each company as part of the afternoon's 'Rural Health' session.
The Forum concluded with an address from the incoming Member for the Central Wheatbelt, Lachlan Hunter, before the formal declaration of results for the seat took place in the Bruce Rock Council Chambers.
Zone Chair, President Tony Sachse, extended his thanks to delegates for travelling from across the Wheatbelt to participate in this year’s forum.
“It’s great that Local Governments and community organisations across the Wheatbelt can come together to share perspectives and experiences in building for the future.”
“Every Local Government in the Wheatbelt must be creative and innovative to get the best outcomes for our communities. It’s great to see so many organisations working together for the future of our region.”
Thank you to all delegates, presenters and organisers who made this event possible.
