Vale Dr Kelvin Matthews

Published on Friday, 17 January 2025 at 9:07:17 AM

Dr Kelvin Matthews began his local government career in 1992, in the eastern states, with Community Development roles at the Shires of Scone in New South Wales, Moyne and Mitchell Shire Councils in Victoria, and then as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Mornington Shire in Queensland.

Kelvin’s first role in Western Australia was as Chief Executive Officer at the Shire of Tammin in 1997.

He then headed back over east to serve in General Manager roles at the Councils of Walgett and Broken Hill, before taking up a Chief Executive Role in the Northern Territory.

He left local government after 13 years to take up a role as a Policy and Electorate Officer for the Hon Mark McGowan MLA, where he affectionately earned “his red ticket”.

Kelvin returned to local government as the Chief Executive Officer in Shark Bay before heading offshore to lead the Shire of Christmas Island.

He fondly recounted his time at Shark Bay as one of the “most challenging and moving periods” in his career where he formed lifelong friendships.

After this stint in local government Kelvin applied his skills to lecturing at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle to progress his studies.

Shortly after finishing his lecturing duties, Kelvin was appointed to the Chief Executive role at the Shire of Mount Magnet, during which time he completed his Doctor of Philosophy qualification in 2019.

Kelvin next moved to the Shire of Meekatharra as the Chief Executive Officer where, during his tenure, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in late-2024.

Despite undergoing treatment, Kelvin passed at home, with wife Neung by his side, during the early hours of 17 January 2025.

Rest in peace Kelvin.