The city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, about 600 kilometres (370 miles) east of Perth in Western Australia's Goldfields region, was hit by a earthquake at 8.15am on 20th April. The US Geological Survey reported it as 5.2 on the Richter scale – the biggest earthquake in the area for 50 years. Damage was focussed around the Boulder main street, including significant damage to the historic Boulder Town Hall and the Goldfields War Museum. Staff of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder History and Heritage Unit and the Goldfields War Museum have not yet been able to survey the damage, but are preparing for a significant salvage operation based on the observed damage to buildings.

The Boulder Town Hall is also home to the recently established CollectionsCare hub, which was established to support regional collections and those who work with them. The CollectionsCare Coordinator Elaine Labuschagne is on hand to offer professional advice to aid the recovery effort. CollectionsCare hub works with the Goldfields War Museum, the Kalgoorlie branch of the WA Museum, the impressive Eastern Goldfields Historical Society collection, and the community archives held at the Boulder Town Hall. The Town Hall collection includes the internationally significant 1908 Philip Goatcher theatre curtain, believed to be one of the few remaining examples of this artist's work in the world.

Early reports indicate that only two people received minor injuries. The massive Super Pit gold mine was evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Further information, photos and videos are available  from the ABC and the Australian.