Honours 2020

Recognising Local Government leaders and representatives for their considerable contributions to the sector and their communities Local Government Honours 2020 2020 Honours Recipients 3

Mayor Tracey Roberts JP President WA Local Government Association

In a year such as 2020 – when tragic world events I’d like to acknowledge our Local Government have dominated our news feed – the value of Medal recipient Lynne Craigie OAM who has “community” has never been more important. given many years of service to both the WA During these unprecedented times, strong and Local Government Association and also to her committed community leadership has become local community of East . Lynne’s inclusive critical in the efforts to expedite business and leadership style has been an inspiration to many economic recovery at the local level. of us, and her ability to negotiate with all levels of government has seen numerous major financial Despite the widespread impact of the COVID-19 windfalls for individual Local Governments, pandemic, we have seen stories appear everywhere particularly in regard to road funding. demonstrating the compassion of our neighbours in helping those less fortunate. Congratulations to our four Eminent Service Award winners Frank Cvitan, Barry Sammels, We are incredibly fortunate in Local Government to Norm Trenfield and Olwen Searle. All of you are have always had a high calibre of people working outstanding examples of community leaders who to improve our quality of life in so many ways, every have dedicated many years to improving the lives day, both before and during this pandemic. of others. The 2020 Honours Program recognises our Our Local Government Distinguished Officers leaders who, through many years of hard work and Award winners John Beaton, Gail Ipsen Cutts and personal commitment, have created communities Jim Epis have all worked above and beyond the that thrive and prosper, even in the face of global call of duty to improve opportunities and facilities adversity. in their local communities. A special mention The 2020 Honours Program recognises outstanding must go to John for committing 53 years to Local leadership from the north to the south of our Governments across . State, and many places in between. Through this Congratulations to all 31 award winners – you are program, we are acknowledging the hard work all an inspiration to others in our community and of regional leaders such as Phillip Matsumoto in deserve to be recognised through the WA Local Broome, Karl Brandenburg in Carnarvon, Brian Government Association’s Honours Program. Caporn in Quairading and Shelley Hmeljak in Gnowangerup. We are also honouring our metropolitan representatives, such as David Boothman in Stirling, and Joy Stewart in Rockingham. The depth and breadth of this leadership is simply Mayor Tracey Roberts JP outstanding, and I hope these examples serve as President an inspiration to future leaders. Local Government Honours 2020

Local Government Medal

Recognises outstanding The Local Government Medal is achievement and contribution presented in recognition of: to Local Government and/or • Exceptional service which advances the Western Australian Local the goals of the Western Australian Government Association. Local Government Association and/ or Local Government; • The personal contribution given in pursuit of benefits for the community within the concept of Local Government; • Outstanding achievements and/ or significant contributions, both professionally and personally, in the advancement of the position and value of the Western Australian Local Government Association and/or Local Government within the wider community. 2020 Honours Recipients 5

Lynne Craigie OAM

Congratulations to Lynne Craigie OAM, who is leading advocacy campaigns to increase financial awarded the WA Local Government Association assistance grants to Local Governments. Medal for her exceptional service to Western Elected to the in 2003, Australia’s Local Government sector, most Lynne has always demonstrated compassionate notably as President of the Association from leadership qualities, understanding the needs of 2015 until 2020. the community and delivering outcomes that have Lynne is the President of the Shire of East Pilbara, ensured Newman and the surrounding regions are a position she has held for the past 15 years. She a better place to live and work. is widely acknowledged and respected for her Lynne has been a proactive community collaborative, engaging and inclusive leadership representative over many years, driving positive style, and has been an inspiration to many Elected projects and programs such as the Newman Members throughout her service at both the Shire Revitalisation Project which has transformed the and the WA Local Government Association. town centre of Newman. As President, Deputy President and a State Lynne currently chairs the Newman Women’s Councillor with the WA Local Government Shelter, the Newman Senior High School and Association, Lynne was instrumental in numerous the Newman Visitors Centre. She is a member advocacy and organisational achievements. of the Telstra Regional Committee, a board In particular, Lynne negotiated a new five-year member of the East Pilbara Independence agreement with the State Government to share Support Service and a former Chair of the revenue from motor vehicle licence fees, Pilbara Regional Council. delivering nearly $200 million per year for work During her time as a State Councillor, Deputy on local roads. President and President of the WA Local Lynne championed the Members First: Working Government Association, Lynne chaired the for Local Government program, vastly improving Honours Panel, the Selection Committee, the the engagement between Local Governments Mining Communities Policy Forum, and the across the State and the WA Local Government Economic Development Policy Forum. She Association. was a member of the Executive Committee, the She worked tirelessly to unite the sector after Metropolitan Reform Implementation Policy Forum the divisive Metropolitan Local Government and the President’s Advisory Group. Reform Process and negotiated the signing Lynne was also a board member of both the Local of the State Local Government Partnership Government Insurance Scheme, and the Local Agreement to formalise regular meetings with Government House Trust. the Premier and other key decision makers in A highly respected community advocate and the State Government. a tireless, committed and engaging leader, Lynne was a board member of the Australian Lynne Craigie is a worthy recipient of the Local Government Association for nine years, 2020 Local Government Medal. Local Government Honours 2020

Eminent Service Award

Recognises personal commitment, eminent service and contribution to the Association as a President, Executive Member, Elected Member or Serving Officer, of the Association or Member Council.

Frank Cvitan JP

A highly respected community leader, Frank Cvitan has been representing ratepayers in the City of Wanneroo since his first election to Council in 1999. After 19 years of community representation, Frank is well known for being an approachable and understanding leader and despite the population explosion in the City, Frank continues to make himself available to ratepayers, not only promoting the importance of Local Government but also taking the time to understand community issues and requirements. Deputy Mayor of the City, Frank has worked tirelessly to ensure development in the region is supported by appropriate planning, combining this with a passion for protecting the natural environment, such as the wetlands in the East Wanneroo area. Frank has chaired several Council committees, including the Arts Advisory Committee and the Neerabup Industrial Area Development Committee. He is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, the Community Funding Working Group, the Community Support and Financial Assistance Working Group, the Quinns Rocks Caravan Park Redevelopment Working Group, the Revenue Review Committee and the Waste Management Advisory Committee. Frank is a WA Local Government Association State Councillor and is the City of Wanneroo’s delegate to the Association’s North Metropolitan Zone. He is a delegate to the Mindarie Regional Council, the Wanneroo Agricultural Society and the Wanneroo and Districts Historical Society. Barry Sammels

An Elected Member with the City of Rockingham since 1997, Barry Sammels served as Deputy Mayor for two years, before being elected Mayor of the City in 2003, a position he continues to hold. Barry has an inclusive and consultative leadership style and his mission is to work in partnership with the people of Rockingham to create a leading City with a vibrant community and a relaxed coastal lifestyle, while at the same time developing strong relationships with State and Federal governments. Serving for three terms as Chair of the South West Group, Barry led a delegation to Taiwan in 2019 promoting the South Metropolitan region to a global audience. Barry was National President of the Australian Coastal Councils Association Inc’s Committee of Management, and currently chairs six Council committees including the City Safe Advisory Committee, the Customer Service Review Committee and the Governance Review Committee. A local business owner in the City of Rockingham for the past 30 years, Barry understands the needs and values of ratepayers, and is a strong supporter of economic development in the region. A visionary leader, he has also chaired many committees with a focus on climate change and community safety, and spearheaded numerous major community development projects. Eminent Service Award

Olwen Searle JP

A champion of quality governance and accountability practices, Olwen Searle has been an exceptional community representative with the City of Gosnells for 38 years, always ensuring City funds are spent wisely and in the best interests of ratepayers. A highly respected community leader, Olwen has always been completely committed to the development of the City and has championed many innovative projects, such as the enhancement of public open spaces including the Mills Park Redevelopment project. During her extensive elected period, Olwen was elected as Mayor three times, with the most recent term from 2015 until 2017. Olwen has worked tirelessly on behalf of the ratepayers in the City of Gosnells, actively representing them on many committees and groups. She has been the Council delegate on the Mills Park Sports Reserve Advisory Committee, the Koolangarra Management Committee, the Foothills Study Working Group, the South East Regional Energy Group and the Airports Municipalities Group, to name just a few of her commitments. She has also been the Deputy Delegate to the Upper Canning Southern Wungong Catchment Team, the Liddelow Homestead Committee and the Perth Region Natural Resources Management Inc. South Reference Group. Olwen served four terms as the Council delegate to the South East Metropolitan Zone of the WA Local Government Association. 2020 Honours Recipients 9

Eminent Service Award

Norm Trenfield

Retiring in 2019 after an outstanding 31 years of service to the Meekatharra community, Norm Trenfield was Deputy President for 11 years before being elected President, a position he held from 2013 until his retirement. During his extensive tenure, Norm was a driving force in the shaping of both the town and the region, and with his remarkable knowledge of the vast road network across the Shire, he was instrumental in securing funds to upgrade many bush tracks across the Shire to a properly constructed and maintained road network. During his time as an Elected Member, the financial position of the Shire improved significantly, with the accumulation of assets and reduction of debt. A dedicated Meekatharra representative, Norm was a member of the Regional Road Group, the Murchison Country Zone of the WA Local Government Association (Cue Parliament) and chaired various committees such as the Health, Building and Town Planning Committee, the Works Group, the Murchison Health Scheme, and the CEO Performance Review Panel. Norm was a member of a number of community groups and committees, such as the Regional Steering Committee, the Meekatharra Mount Magnet and Wiluna Aviation Community Consultation Group and the Local Recovery Coordinating Committee. He continues to be Meekatharra’s Deputy Chief Bushfire Control Officer. Long and Loyal Service Award

Recognises long and loyal service of a high degree to Local Government or the WA Local Government Association. 2020 Honours Recipients 11

David Boothman JP

A retired police officer, David Boothman is passionate about crime prevention and community safety issues in the City of Stirling. The longest serving Mayor of the City (from 2007 until 2013), David has also served 25 years as an Elected Member, implementing numerous successful and innovative community initiatives during this long tenure. Under his leadership, the City established a “Graffiti Taskforce”, was the first Local Government in the State to employ security staff, and consequently developed a close working relationship with the West Metropolitan Police District. David has also led the push for greater funding for waste management programs, improved on-street parking in the Balga Ward, and promoted significant upgrades for the Princess Wellington Community Parkland project.

Karl Brandenburg

President of the Shire of Carnarvon for eight years, Deputy President for eight years, and a Councillor for four years, Karl Brandenburg has always believed in the potential of the Carnarvon community to be developed into a highly desirable tourist destination and retirement centre. A resident of the Shire since the 1970s, Karl has spearheaded a number of key community initiatives, including the development of a sustainable and reliable water supply for agriculture and industry in the region, a more efficient transport system, and improved essential services for the community. Karl has been a strong supporter of community and sporting groups and has dedicated countless hours to youth programs, including the Carnarvon Shire Youth Outreach Program.

Brian Caporn

Shire President and Deputy Shire President for a total of four years, with 12 and a half years of total elected service, Brian Caporn has been a valued community leader in Quairading, representing the Shire on many regional committees and groups. Brian was a delegate to the WA Local Government Association’s Central Country Zone, and the proxy delegate to the Association’s Grain Freight Committee. During his time with Council, Brian chaired the Building and Town Planning Committee, the Local Emergency Management Committee, the Old School Heritage Site Working Group and the Medical Executive Committee. He was a member of the Works Committee, the Quairading District Sport and Recreation Council and the Reconciliation Action Plan Committee. Local Government Honours 2020

Long and Loyal Service Award

Ian (Sam) Collard

Always the first to arrive at a community busy bee or fundraiser, Sam Collard was one of the youngest Elected Members with the Shire of Gingin when he was first elected at 27 years of age in 1978 – serving six years at that time. Elected again in 2009, Sam served a further 10 years with Council, including two years as President and two years as Deputy President. Sam is well respected throughout the Gingin community for his dedication to the Shire, and his passion for community development. Despite his retirement, Sam continues to be regarded as a strong, honest and trustworthy community advocate and leader. Serving on many community and Council committees, Sam also represented the Shire on the WA Local Government Association’s Avon Midland Zone.

Peter Denton

Postmaster for the Cranbrook community for the past 23 years, Peter Denton is a well-respected and dedicated community leader who has a genuine willingness to help others and will always lobby for improved local services and opportunities – as evidenced by his almost single handed advocacy campaign to retain the Cranbrook Police Station in 2009. Peter was elected to the Shire of Cranbrook in 2007 and has been a Councillor for 13 years. A former Citizen of the Year, he is the President of the Cranbrook Sporting Club, was Chairman of the Roadwise Committee, President of the Cranbrook Business and Promotion Group and is a member of the Cranbrook Town Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, and the Cranbrook Men’s Shed. Peter is the Shire representative on the Community Ratepayers Association and the Gillamii Landcare Group.

Peter Feasey

Deputy Mayor Peter Feasey was one of the youngest Councillors to be elected to the City of Kwinana in 2007. Throughout his 13 years of dedicated service Peter has been at the forefront of community representation, as a member of many community and Council committees and project groups. Supporting sustainable development in the City, he is passionate about safety, security and the environment, and has always advocated for the rights of young people, particularly through his former role with the Youth Advisory Council. Amongst his many notable achievements, Peter has driven projects such as the construction of the Kwinana Adventure Park, the revitalisation of the City Centre, the construction of new community centres and sporting pavilions, and has been involved with the development of the Community Safety Plan, the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, and the Ground Water Operating Strategy. 2020 Honours Recipients 13

Long and Loyal Service Award

Ray Harrington OAM

A strong and outspoken leader, Ray Harrington served for 12 years with the Shire of West Arthur, including eight of those years as President, retiring from Council in 2019. Under Ray’s leadership, many critical local projects were undertaken, including the collocation of the Darkan and Districts Sports and Community Centre, the Town Hall expansion, the Health and Community Resource Centre expansion, the Well-Aged Persons units, the Caravan Park Upgrade and the expansion of the light industrial area. Chairperson of the Narrogin Subgroup of the Regional Road Group, Ray’s comprehensive knowledge of the region’s extensive road network was critical to long term funding allocations. Named Australia’s Farming Legend of the Year in 2018, Ray has also been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia and was a finalist in the Senior of the Year Awards.

Geraldine Hinkley

Elected to the Shire of Wickepin in 2007, Geraldine Hinkley served a dedicated 12 years with Council until her retirement in 2019. An active and committed community leader, Geraldine is highly regarded for her tireless involvement in numerous community groups, particularly in her role as the Shire representative on the Facey Group Committee. During her tenure with Council, Geraldine served as a member on the Governance, Audit and Community Services Committee, the Infrastructure and Engineering Services Committee, the Wickepin Community and Recreation Centre Management Committee, and the Wheatbelt Joint Development Assessment Panel.

Shelley Hmeljak

Passionate about sports, youth affairs and the economic development of the Shire, Shelley Hmeljak has been a committed community representative since her election to the Shire of Gnowangerup in 2003. Shelley successfully ran a “shop locally” campaign in 2018/19 to support Gnowangerup businesses and raise awareness of the importance of spending in the local community. A swimming teacher for 25 years, Shelley is actively involved with many community groups and Council committees, including the Gnowangerup Youth Centre Management Committee, the Gnowangerup Family Support Committee, the Industrial Development Committee, the Finance Committee, the Gnowangerup District Hospital Steering Group and the Gnowangerup Sports Complex Management Committee. Local Government Honours 2020

Long and Loyal Service Award

Douglas Kelly

Elected to the Shire of Cunderdin in 2007 and retiring in 2019, Doug Kelly served as Deputy President for three years. Highly respected for his stable and positive leadership skills, Doug’s ability to defuse community angst and work towards long term goals has been one the of the major reasons the Council now has a secure future. During his service to the Cunderdin-Meckering community, Doug was Chair of the Kellerberrin Sub Regional Road Group and was heavily involved with the organisation of both the 40th and 50th Meckering Earthquake Commemorating Anniversaries. Doug was a member of the Plant and Equipment Committee, the Audit Committee, was Chief Bush Fire Control Officer and was a member of the Local Emergency Management Action Committee.

Phillip Matsumoto

First elected to the Shire of Broome in 1974 at the age of 33, Phillip Matsumoto has represented the community on Council on three separate occasions, with a total of 28 years of service. A local Yawuru man, Phillip has been involved with a wide range of community groups, forums and aboriginal organisations in the Broome area, and has a passion for improving health services in the region. As a member of the Aboriginal Health Council of WA, Phillip contributed extensively to the development and operation of the Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service. A prominent sporting identity, Phillip’s contribution to the development of sports in the Broome region was recognised by the naming of the upgraded outdoor sports courts as the Phillip Matsumoto Sports Courts. A Justice of the Peace, Phillip is also a life member of the Broome Basketball Association and the West Kimberley Football League.

Michael Meredith Shire of West Arthur

Serving 16 years with the Shire of West Arthur until his retirement in 2019, Michael Meredith was an active community representative, always contributing significantly to local community events such as the annual Australia Day breakfast, the Welcome to West Arthur evenings, and performances in the town hall. Michael was a valuable contributor to Local Government reform in the region, participating in the dissolution of the ward system, the reduction of the number of Elected Members, and the formation of the 4WD Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils (VROC). Michael has been involved with numerous community and Council committees and projects, such as the Men’s Shed, the development of the light industrial area, the improvement of health services in the community and the expansion of the Community Resource Centre. 2020 Honours Recipients 15

Long and Loyal Service Award

Stephanie Proud JP City of Stirling

The second longest serving Councillor currently with the City of Stirling, Stephanie Proud was elected to the Council in 2007 and since that time has been a strong community leader, passionate about road safety, the improvement of recreation facilities, and environmental sustainability and preservation. Stephanie has driven projects such as the Innaloo precinct, the Scarborough Beach Pool, West Neighbourhood and Moorland Street Bicycle Boulevard. She regularly holds community forums to better understand and represent the views of her constituents. A Justice of the Peace, Stephanie is Chairperson of the Mindarie Regional Council Audit Committee and the City of Stirling Road Safety Advisory Group. She is the Council representative on the WA Local Government Association’s North Metropolitan Zone.

Joy Stewart City of Rockingham

A true community representative, Joy Stewart has always been a voice for the less fortunate, such as those with disabilities, and the elderly. Heavily involved in the Seniors Recreation Council of WA, Joy has been the Master of Ceremonies for the annual Have A Go Day for nine years and was instrumental in the building of the All Abilities Playground in Secret Harbour. Elected to the City of Rockingham in 2007, Joy continues to serve the community through her involvement in numerous committees, being the Chair of both the Corporate and Community Development Committee and the Seniors Advisory Committee. She is a member of a wide range of community groups, including numerous school boards, is Patron of the Rockingham Museum, President of the Mature Adult Learning Association and was the City of Rockingham representative on the South Metropolitan Zone of the WA Local Government Association. Local Government Honours 2020

Local Government Merit Award

Recognises Elected Members who have provided distinguished service to the community through their Local Government.

Karen Caddy City of Stirling

A Councillor with the City of Stirling since 2013, Karen Caddy has delivered numerous positive outcomes for the Stirling community, particularly in the Scarborough region. An active member of the Scarborough Beach Association, Karen has been at the forefront of the recent Scarborough Foreshore Revitalisation project, which now boasts world class community facilities. A strategic thinker, Karen has driven many other community projects including the implementation of the three-bin recycling program, the underground power project and the Urban Forest Strategy. She has always advocated and supported volunteers and her passion for environmental projects has seen her work closely with the local Coastcare and Friends group. Through her active lobbying efforts, she has spearheaded the improvement of facilities at more than 14 local sporting clubs, including the Charles Riley Reserve upgrade. 2020 Honours Recipients 17

Joe Ferrante City of Stirling

Passionate about the importance and role of sport in local communities, Joe Ferrante has dedicated countless personal hours to developing sporting clubs and opportunities in the Stirling community. Joe has been a champion in the campaign to save the Inglewood Bowling Cub, coaches a team at the Perth Soccer Club, and is a Patron of both the Yokine Bowling Club and the Alexander Park Tennis Club. A Councillor with the City of Stirling since 2011, Joe is committed to improving services for seniors, advocates for the protection of heritage assets in the Stirling community and lobbies for safe and effective traffic management and increased security patrols in the community. He is also dedicated to the preservation and development of parks and public open spaces in the City.

Lynn Fisher

A former Chief Executive Officer with Volunteering WA, Lynn Fisher was an inspirational Elected Member with the Shire of Mundaring from 2015 until 2019. Deputy President for two years, Lynn was a dedicated community leader who achieved many positive outcomes for the community, such as improving Council agenda procedures, developing community engagement through the use of social media, and enhancing Councillor profiles. Lynn assisted with the production of the book “All Fired Up – a History of the Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades in the Shire of Mundaring 1903-2010” and was very active with volunteer groups in the community such as the Hills Riding for the Disabled Group. A member of the Mundaring Arts Centre Board, she has also made a significant contribution to the arts and culture of the Mundaring Hills area.

John McCallum City of

A Councillor with the since 2011, John McCallum held the position of Deputy Mayor from 2017 until 2019. John has been a key participant in many of the City’s major projects, including the Busselton Margaret River Airport, the Busselton Foreshore development, and the Dunsborough Town Centre upgrade. From 2014 until 2018, John was President of the Tennis Section of the Dunsborough and Districts Country Club where he initiated a fundraising drive to build two extra courts and resurface the existing four courts. He is a member of the Dunsborough Progress Association and has served on numerous other community committees. John was a member of the Council’s Finance Committee, the Policy and Legislation Committee, the Audit Committee and the Airport Advisory Committee, to name just a few of his Council commitments. Local Government Honours 2020

Local Government Merit Award

Kim Mills

Retiring in 2019 after 11 years as a Councillor with the Shire of Brookton, Kim Mills served on many Council committees throughout his dedicated service to the community, including the Audit Committee, the Employment Committee, the Works Committee and the Housing Committee. A strong leader in the Shire, Kim has also supported a variety of community organisations, and was a member of the Aldersyde Agricultural Hall Committee, the Brookton Community Enterprise Advisory Group, the Yenyenning Lakes Management Group and was Chairman of the Brookton Community Resource Centre. Bringing a stable and respected view to the Council chambers, Kim is a strong believer in planning for the future of the region through progressive programs, while also balancing this with the need to preserve and protect the traditions of the community.

Keith Sargent City of Stirling

Serving nine years with the City of Stirling, Keith Sargent continues to make major contributions to the Stirling community through his many and varied commitments, such as his role as Chair of the Balga Primary School, treasurer of the Balga Markets and his involvement with the Gladys Newton School for those with special needs. Deputy Mayor from 2015 until 2017, Keith was instrumental in the instigation of the City’s Reconciliation Action Plan and contributed significantly to the upgrades of the Princess Wellington Project, the Mirrabooka Town Centre and the Des Penman Reserve. He has served on numerous Council committees such as the Community and Resources Committee, the Local Emergency Management Committee and the Crime Prevention Advisory Group.

Coralie Tarbotton City of Busselton

Serving eight years with the City of Busselton, Coralie Tarbotton made a significant contribution to the broader Busselton community through her membership and involvement with many Council and community committees and groups. During her dedicated tenure she was a member of the Finance Committee, the Policy and Legislation Committee, the Audit Committee, the Airport Advisory Committee and the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Reference Group. Deputy Mayor from 2015 until 2017, Coralie played a major role in the Busselton Foreshore Redevelopment project, the Dunsborough Town Centre upgrade and the Busselton Margaret River Airport. Coralie was a member of the Capecare (aged care facility) Board from 1996 until 2017, and during this time the facility became the largest regional independent not for profit aged care provider in the State. 2020 Honours Recipients 19

Local Government Merit Award

Mark Irwin City of Stirling

City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin provides strong and strategic Council leadership, driving numerous innovative projects that have improved the facilities and opportunities for all those who live and work in the Stirling community. Amongst his many notable achievements, Mark spearheaded the Stephenson Avenue Road Network campaign, which, once completed, will include the construction of a new freeway interchange, opening up large areas of land for development, plus reducing traffic along . Under his guidance, the City has received numerous awards, including breaking the Guinness World Record in 2019 for most nationalities in a drum circle. An active member of the Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club since he was nine years old, Mark was recently acknowledged for his volunteering commitment with a State Life Membership award.

David Lagan City of Stirling

A Councillor with the City of Stirling since 2011, David has held the position of Deputy Mayor on two separate occasions throughout his dedicated tenure with Council. A strong advocate of local community issues, David has always strongly represented the interests of his Inglewood Ward, and was successful in instigating a 40km/hour speed zone on Beaufort Street which was widely supported by the community. A highly respected community representative, he supports small businesses in the area through his passion for economic development. With 29 years of experience in the education sector, David provides support to schools within his ward, and regularly lobbies on behalf of community groups for increasing funding to improve local facilities, such as the grant to upgrade the Inglewood United pitch. Local Government Distinguished Officers Award

For outstanding contributions made by serving officers of member Local Governments to the Association, the sector or other agencies and local communities. 2020 Honours Recipients 21

John Beaton City of Stirling

With a Local Government career spanning an outstanding 53 years, John Beaton continues to contribute to the development of local communities through his role as Senior Co-ordinator Corporate Compliance with the City of Stirling. Beginning his career in 1967 with the as an Administration Officer, John rose through the ranks over a 23 year period to the position of Deputy Shire Clerk. In 1990 John moved to the , first as a Finance and Rating Officer, ultimately being appointed as Manager Administration and Property Services. Also working briefly for the before accepting a position with the City of Stirling in 2010, John’s extensive career has involved mentoring new and current employees and providing trusted support and advice to many Elected Members. A strategic thinker, John is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to improve services to the community.

Gail Ipsen Cutts

Gail Ipsen Cutts has served the Shire of Manjimup for 19 years, and in her current role as Director of Community Services, has shown outstanding leadership skills by driving numerous innovative programs such as the development of the Manjimup Wellness and Respite Centre, the Manjimup Seniors Housing Project, the $8.5million PowerUp Museum, the redevelopment of the award winning State Timber Museum and the redevelopment and re-branding of the Manjimup Heritage Park. She has also been integral in the plan to develop the Pemberton Community Hub. As Emergency Recovery Team Co-ordinator, Gail played a crucial role in the 12-month recovery of the region after the 2015 O’Sullivan Fire, ensuring the physical and mental wellbeing of the residents and emergency personnel involved. Gail was also recently appointed to lead the COVID-19 Recovery Committee to co-ordinate welfare requirements and business recovery from the impacts of the pandemic restrictions.

Jim Epis

Working for the Shire of Leonora for almost 38 years, Jim Epis has held the position of Chief Executive Officer for the past 24 years and is recognised by the wider region as being an exceptional community leader. Beginning his Local Government career as a grader operator in 1982 with the Shire, Jim’s longstanding career in the one community has seen him develop valuable relationships with Leonora residents, including the local indigenous community. His knowledge of the history, the roads, and the infrastructure in the Shire is second to none, and his dedication to the community has ensured the rich mining history of the community has been preserved for future generations. Major project achievements under Jim’s leadership have included the Unmarked Graves Project, the development of the Leonora Detention Centre, the upgrade to the Wastewater Treatment ponds, and the award winning Gwalia Upgrade Project Program which involved the conservation of Gwalia’s Historical Precinct, Museum and Hoover House. Local Government Honours 2020

Do you know someone in Local Government who should be honoured in 2021?

Are you aware of anyone in Local Government who has made a notable contribution to the Association, Local Government or their individual Council? If so, why not consider nominating them for an award as part of the Western Australian Local Government Association Honours Program? There are many Elected Members who have served more than 12 years on Council, or who have made a significant contribution to their Local Government and the Association which is worthy of formal acknowledgement. Chief Executives, too, are often overlooked for the outstanding service they provide to Local Government and the Association through their various endeavours. The Honours program represents a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our Elected Members and officers, and to recognise those who have given so much of their personal and professional time to the betterment of their communities through Local Government.

The nominations period for the 2021 Honours Program will open in March and close in May. Information on the Honours Program can be obtained by e-mailing the Association at [email protected]. Telephone enquiries can be directed to Margaret Degebrodt, Executive Officer, Governance, on (08) 9213 2036.

ONE70 LV1, 170 Railway Parade, West Leederville WA 6007 T (08) 9213 2000 l F (08) 9213 2077 l E [email protected] www.walga.asn.au