Council History

The word Kimba originates from an Aboriginal term meaning "bushfire." Reflecting this, the District Council of Kimba's emblem highlights the critical role fire has historically played in transforming scrubland into farmland.

On July 1, 1924, through a Government Proclamation, the Hundreds of Solomon, Kelly, Cortlinye, Moseley, Barna, and Yalanda in the County of Buxton became part of the District Council of Kimba. The council’s founding members—JA Sampson, JM McMurtrie, OE Carlaw, FJ Newman, FR Ferry, H Thompson, M Grund, GW Cant, and EJ Haskett—laid the groundwork for what would become a significant agricultural community.

Early Beginnings

Even before this proclamation, pioneers had already settled in the Hundred of Kelly, tackling the land without formal infrastructure or services. Through determination, they proved the region’s agricultural potential, advocating to politicians for resources to support a growing community.

In 1913, the Port Lincoln railway extended to a siding named "Kimba," and two years later, in 1915, the Government officially declared Kimba a township. With new settlers arriving, the Kimba Vigilance Committee formed in 1916-17, taking action to secure essential services like postal, medical, and police support. This committee’s relentless work laid the foundation for the District Council of Kimba, established officially in 1924.

Council Milestones

When the council first met, JA Sampson was elected Chairman, with C De La Perrelle as District Clerk and Overseer. WH Thompson, the first working Overseer, operated with his own horse and dray. By 1926, Kimba’s council made pioneering moves, such as shifting from the Improved Land Value tax to the option of Unimproved Land Value, giving councils flexibility in their revenue models. They also chose to operate as a single ward—a structure that continues today, symbolizing their unified approach to governing the district.

Through the years, the council boundaries expanded, adding new areas like Pinkawillinie, Buckleboo, and Caralue in 1936-37, and further regions in 1967 including Hundreds of Buckleboo, Cunyarie and Wilcherry were included and still later, the Hundreds of Peella and Corrobinnie (portion Le Hunte). Council meetings initially took place in makeshift locations until the new council office opened in 1978.  The earliest meetings of Council were held in the old "tin hall", later in the Betting Shop, still later in Andrew Ramsey's shops and then in Kimba Institute until the new Council Office was opened in 1978.

Community and Council Collaboration

From the start, community support and cooperation were the lifeblood of Kimba’s development. Self-reliance and teamwork helped establish essential services and amenities over the years, including health facilities, education centers, recreational spaces, and critical infrastructure like water conservation systems, an aerodrome, and pest control initiatives. This strong community spirit has allowed Kimba to flourish, creating a vibrant rural hub with deep historical roots and an enduring legacy of resilience.