An emerging history...

The Shire of Coolgardie holds proud to its reputation as "The Mother of The Western Australian Goldfields" - and its significant and special place in Australian history is well documented. As the first settlement in the region, Coolgardie witnessed the single largest movement of people in Australian history when gold was found at Fly Flat in 1892. By 1898, Coolgardie was the third largest town in Western Australia.

The resurgence of the mining industry during the nickel boom of the 1960's transformed life in Kambalda. It sparked a new wave of migration reminiscent of the glory days of the 19th century gold rush. As more and more families moved into the area to capitalise on work opportunities, so this unleashed new opportunities for business and industry.

Yet the existing facilities in this once-celebrated township do not do justice to Kambalda's historic place in the nation's history... nor to the value and aspirations of its current residents. Today, the remnants of scattered community facilities remain from construction dating back to the 1960's. These facilities are tired and worn and in desperate need of replacement.

In this environment, is it any wonder that the population is stagnating or that so many workers choose to drive in/drive out, or fly in/fly out rather than put down roots in the community that employs them? In order to encourage families to make their life in this region and to feel at home, there is an urgent need to create community and recreational facilities that feed that sense of community, and the expectations of families today.

Kambalda has seen good times and bad... and endured through it all. These are the better times. The community of Kambalda deserves facilities that will strengthen its community bonds, and encourage visiting workers to make this region home - rather than a transient place of work. The new Community & Recreation Centre will do just that.

It will be a place where people of all ages will be encouraged to express themselves through a variety of interests, arts, culture and sporting activities; a facility that will inspire live performance on a purpose-built stage with comfortable seating catering for large audiences. The new Centre will be a place where mothers can entrust their children to a creche and the toy library while they make use of the gymnasium or library - or help out at the Senior Citizen's club or other community groups. This new heart in the heart of Kambalda will create opportunities for showcasing business and enterprise through seminars and expos, and corporate events befitting the thriving industry in this corner of Western Australia.

A Kambalda with a heart will unleash a new spirit of activity and optimism within this region. This community deserves nothing less.


Historic Group under bough shed Red Hill - circa 1905


Land yachts