Shire of Meekatharra chief executive officer Kelvin Matthews resigns after receiving cancer diagnosis

Shire of Meekatharra chief executive Kelvin Matthews has resigned after a cancer diagnosis, with the council looking to recruit a new CEO early next year. Shire president Harvey Nichols broke the devastating news on Wednesday, November 27, that Dr Matthews will officially end his tenure in February due to ill health. The 68-year-old’s tenure was due to end in November 2025, but after trouble breathing and a medical scan, it was discovered he had cancer. Cr Nichols said Mr Matthews would be focusing on his treatment in Perth and would unlikely return to Meekatharra. “It is with a mixture of gratitude and sadness I acknowledge the recent resignation, due to ill health, of Dr Kelvin Matthews as the chief executive officer of the Shire of Meekatharra,” he said. “On a personal note, Kelvin’s advice and guidance to me, as shire president, has been invaluable. “He has been a mentor to many, always willing to share his knowledge and expertise, and has played a crucial role in council and staff development.” Dr Matthews joined the shire in November 2021 and remained committed to public service until his diagnosis, dedicated to local issues including upgrades to Wiluna Road and the Meekatharra Hospital. Cr Nichols confirmed the Perth-born CEO had lived in Wittenoom, a former town contaminated with asbestos, from the age of six — during a time when it was Australia’s only supplier of blue asbestos. “It’s one of those things where you feel useless,” he said. “He was a good, solid CEO, we worked well together. He didn’t shy away, he was retired but came back to work because he was bored.” The shire confirmed the council would continue to operate with the acting CEO Nathan Cain and start recruiting for the role soon.