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The appointment was made following the recent resignations of five councillors on the nine-member council, resulting in the remaining four council positions being declared vacant.  

The Local Government Act 1995 provides that a Commissioner can be appointed to fulfil the role of the council and exercise its powers if more than half of the council becomes vacant.A Public Service Medal recipient, Mr Gooding has 46 years’ experience working at senior levels of local and state government in the Kimberley region. He currently sits as an elected member of the Wyndham-East Kimberley Shire Council and is a former CEO and board member of the Kimberley Development Commission, as well as previously holding senior positions in numerous community groups in the region.

Mr Gooding’s appointment as Commissioner will take effect from today and continue until the local government elections are held on 18 October 2025 when a new council will be elected.

"Jeff Gooding has a wealth of experience at senior levels of local and State government in the Kimberley region and is a well-respected administrator. I am confident Mr Gooding will provide stability and good governance as Commissioner at the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley until elections are held in October" says Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley.

"Residents and ratepayers of the Derby and West Kimberley region can be assured that the governance and functions of the council will be fulfilled to a high standard under Mr Gooding's leadership. I urge the people of Derby and West Kimberley to turn out and vote in the upcoming local government elections so they can have their say on the make-up of their new council."