Appointments September 22, 2023

John Harris has been recruited as Asra Minerals exploration manager, effective October. Mr Harris is a geologist with more than 30 years of experience in exploration and mining with particular proficiency in gold and lithium commodities. In his new role at Asra, Mr Harris will be driving exploration work at the Northern Hub in Leonora and the new Southern Hub near Southern Yilgarn. Mr Harris was formerly an exploration manager for Northam Resources and was heavily involved in the company’s joint venture with Chalice Mining.

Catalyst Metals has appointed a new management team at its Plutonic Gold Operations to improve results. David Baumgartel has been recruited as general manager of the operation, bringing his experience in commercial and operational mining including with Gascoyne Resources and Barrick Resources. Mick Garbellini was selected to be group operations manager, guided by his 32 years of WA and international mining experience, with his most recent role being Indonesia’s Freeport Grasberg Block Cave Mine vice president and senior mine manager. Mark Day was appointed as manager mining working at diverse underground mining operations in WA. Former Macquarie Group division director Ted Coupland brings more than 30 years of experience in mining, exploration and resource finance to his new role as senior advisor to the board.

Lisa Smith and Lucy Hall have joined the state government's Small Business Development Corporation board, while Eliza Carbines and Gillian Nathan have been reappointed for a further three years. Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Ms Smith brings a diverse background in business development across public, private and not-for-profit industries. Ms Hall has experience in agribusiness, business development, marketing and financial services. She is based in the Wheatbelt region where she runs a farming business.

Felicity Zempilas has been named Judge of the District Court of Western Australia from September 26, following her 14 years of work as a Magistrate. Prior to this appointment, Ms Zempilas most recently served as resident Magistrate at Joondalup Magistrates Court presiding over criminal and civil matters. She has previously served as Magistrate of the Start Court and Intellectual Disability Diversion Program Court, for adults in the justice system with mental health issues or cognitive impairment. Here Ms Zempilas assisted in the development of guidelines and protocols for the Start Court.

The WA Nationals have formally welcomed Louise Kingston as the upper house replacement for disgraced former MP James Hayward, who was disqualified from parliament late August. Manjimup resident Ms Kingston was formally welcomed as a member of the Legislative Council representing the South West, after a formal recount of votes by the Australian Electoral Commission. She ran second on the WA Nationals ticket at the 2021 state election and was previously listed as a manager on the Manjimup Community Resources Centre website in a now-removed profile.