Shire leader calls it a day

A renowned Shire president from the Kimberley, who has experienced the ups and downs throughout more than two decades, has called it a day and will not renominate in the upcoming local government election.

Elsia Archer has been a councillor for the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley for more than 25 years, of which she has been Shire president for 17.

However, when nominations closed a fortnight ago, Ms Archer announced that she would not renominate and closed the book on her illustrious career.

Ms Archer said she felt the time had come for her to move on.

“I have enjoyed the experience on council. I have met some wonderful people and made some very good friends over the years but the time has come for me to leave,” she said.

Ms Archer said that of her many achievements, the highlight was getting the West Kimberley Regional Prison to Derby.

“It took us a number of years to get the prison and it was a real high for the community. It brought families into town, children into school and created more jobs for locals,” she said. The Shire president admitted local government is “jolly hard work these days”, but she would look back on her time in a very positive way.

“I hope the council continues progressing and working towards positive change,” she said.

“This includes the direct Perth to Derby air service, which I am hoping will come through next year.

“Thank you to everybody who has shown me support over the years.”

Regional Development Australia Kimberly chairman Graeme Campbell said Ms Archer is to be congratulated on her achievements.

“Elsia’s contribution to the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley has been very significant,” he said.

Residents will cast their votes in person on Saturday, October 21.