WALGA

President Mark Irwin and CEO Nick Sloan joined Deputy President Chris Antonio in the Shire of Northam for the Safe System for Local Government Workshop. They also connected with the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Federal Member for Perth, Hon Patrick Gorman MP.

WALGA was proud to host our second Aboriginal Elected Member Roundtable this week, bringing together Councillors from 15 diverse Local Governments across metropolitan, regional and remote WA.

Be a Local Government standout contributor – like Sam! “Life moves fast, thanking and recognising someone for their efforts goes along way, and sometimes means more than words can say,” Sam said. 👇Nominate for the Honours Awards today 🔗 ow.ly/b3wx50Yv4zx

WALGA is proud to receive support for our 2026 Aboriginal Engagement Forum from our event partners. Their contribution is helping to strengthen Aboriginal empowerment and engagement across Local Governments.

‼️Save the date for WALGA’s 2026 Emergency Management Forum ‼️ 📅 Tuesday, 26 May 📍 Murdoch University, Perth This year’s theme, 'One State, Many Realities' - join us for a full day of insights, case studies and sector collaboration.

WALGA President Mark Irwin attended Premier Hon @RogerCookMLA announcement of the State of Energy. WALGA will continue to work with the State Government to ensure that communities hosting large scale renewable energy projects directly benefit from the transition.

From The West Australian – Mark Irwin: New WALGA president vows to be ‘stronger’ voice for Local Government. “I didn’t run on a campaign of change. I ran on working on the incredible work WALGA has been doing,” President Irwin said. thewest.com.au/politics/local…

“We want to work closely with the State and Australian Government, ensuring that the voice of our Members is heard, and that engagement and collaboration with Local Government happens when it matters most" - WALGA President Mark Irwin 🔗 Read the release: ow.ly/tcGl50Ypugj

City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin has been elected as the new President of the Western Australian Local Government Association. State Council also elected Shire of Northam President Chris Antonio as WALGA Deputy President.

WALGA commends and celebrates outgoing President Karen Chappel AM JP’s exceptional and dedicated service to WALGA and the Local Government sector. A new WALGA President will be elected at the March WALGA State Council meeting on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.

3 reasons not to miss WALGA's Aboriginal Engagement Forum: 1️⃣Hear powerful insights from key voices 2️⃣Gain practical strategies for real organisational change 3️⃣Connect with Local Governments and community partners 🔗 Register now! ow.ly/bAx350Yoo73

Registration for WALGA’s 2026 Aboriginal Engagement Forum closes soon! Don't miss out: ow.ly/CvnS50YkPA4

Explore WALGA’s 2026 Aboriginal Engagement Forum program! Join us on Wednesday, 18 March as we explore ways Local Government can support Aboriginal empowerment through cultural safety, business and leadership pathways. 🔗See what's on: ow.ly/Nb1j50YgTxT

43 WA Local Government Volunteer Bushfire Brigades will receive a share of $70,000 through Western Power's Bushfire Volunteers Grants Program. WALGA is calling for increased funding for volunteers through the Local Government Grant Scheme (LGGS) ow.ly/Y2YF50YhpTs

Last week, WALGA hosted a Public Libraries Forum with the LG sector and State Library of WA with the theme ‘foundations of community partnerships.’ WALGA continues to call for public library funding to meet growing demand & keep pace with rising costs: ow.ly/eAVe50YgSVH

Proud Whadjuk Yued Nyoongar man and 2026 Australian of the Year Local Hero, Frank Mitchell will be sharing his story at WALGA's 2026 Aboriginal Engagement Forum .   Don't miss the chance to hear from Frank:  ow.ly/l7Si50Yc5cP

This week, WALGA hosted our colleagues from the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) to exchange key insights across the Local Government sector. Thanks to LGAQ for discussions on approach, provision of member services and associated key initiatives and projects.

A well-connected active transport network is essential to building a healthier, more sustainable, and more liveable WA. WALGA's calling for $20 million per annum for four years from 2026-27, to address the gaps in the Long-Term Cycle Network. Learn more: ow.ly/xfIc50XVgog

Expanding the Regional Economic Development (RED Grants) Program would accelerate growth, attract private investment, and enable regional communities to thrive in a strong, inclusive, and sustainable economy. Learn more in WALGA's State Budget Submission: ow.ly/wHrh50XVgln

WALGA's State Budget Submission calls for $60 million per annum from 2026-27 to create a Community Arts and Cultural Facilities Fund, to support the development of arts and cultural infrastructure. Learn more: ow.ly/aFE550XVgpK