Honours 2020 - WALGA

Honours 2020Recognising 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 have dominated our news feed – the value of “community” has never been more important.

During these unprecedented times, strong and committed community leadership has become critical in the efforts to expedite business and economic recovery at the local level.

Despite the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen stories appear everywhere demonstrating the compassion of our neighbours in helping those less fortunate.

We are incredibly fortunate in Local Government to have always had a high calibre of people working to improve our quality of life in so many ways, every day, both before and during this pandemic.

The 2020 Honours Program recognises our leaders who, through many years of hard work and personal commitment, have created communities that thrive and prosper, even in the face of global adversity.

The 2020 Honours Program recognises outstanding leadership from the north to the south of our State, and many places in between. Through this program, we are acknowledging the hard work of regional leaders such as Phillip Matsumoto in Broome, Karl Brandenburg in Carnarvon, Brian 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 outstanding, and I hope these examples serve as an inspiration to future leaders.

I’d like to acknowledge our Local Government Medal recipient Lynne Craigie OAM who has given many years of service to both the WA Local Government Association and also to her local community of East Pilbara. Lynne’s inclusive leadership style has been an inspiration to many of us, and her ability to negotiate with all levels of government has seen numerous major financial windfalls for individual Local Governments, particularly in regard to road funding.

Congratulations to our four Eminent Service Award winners Frank Cvitan, Barry Sammels, Norm Trenfield and Olwen Searle. All of you are outstanding examples of community leaders who have dedicated many years to improving the lives of others.

Our Local Government Distinguished Officers Award winners John Beaton, Gail Ipsen Cutts and Jim Epis have all worked above and beyond the call of duty to improve opportunities and facilities in their local communities. A special mention must go to John for committing 53 years to Local Governments across Western Australia.

Congratulations to all 31 award winners – you are all an inspiration to others in our community and deserve to be recognised through the WA Local Government Association’s Honours Program.

Mayor Tracey Roberts JPPresident


Recognises outstanding achievement and contribution to Local Government and/or the Western Australian Local Government Association.

Local Government Medal

The Local Government Medal is presented in recognition of:

• Exceptional service which advances the goals of the Western Australian 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.


Lynne Craigie OAM Congratulations to Lynne Craigie OAM, who is awarded the WA Local Government Association Medal for her exceptional service to Western Australia’s Local Government sector, most notably as President of the Association from 2015 until 2020.

Lynne is the President of the Shire of East Pilbara, a position she has held for the past 15 years. She is widely acknowledged and respected for her collaborative, engaging and inclusive leadership style, and has been an inspiration to many Elected Members throughout her service at both the Shire and the WA Local Government Association.

As President, Deputy President and a State Councillor with the WA Local Government Association, Lynne was instrumental in numerous advocacy and organisational achievements.

In particular, Lynne negotiated a new five-year agreement with the State Government to share revenue from motor vehicle licence fees, delivering nearly $200 million per year for work on local roads.

Lynne championed the Members First: Working for Local Government program, vastly improving the engagement between Local Governments across the State and the WA Local Government Association.

She worked tirelessly to unite the sector after the divisive Metropolitan Local Government Reform Process and negotiated the signing of the State Local Government Partnership Agreement to formalise regular meetings with the Premier and other key decision makers in the State Government.

Lynne was a board member of the Australian Local Government Association for nine years,

leading advocacy campaigns to increase financial assistance grants to Local Governments.

Elected to the Shire of East Pilbara in 2003, Lynne has always demonstrated compassionate leadership qualities, understanding the needs of the community and delivering outcomes that have ensured Newman and the surrounding regions are a better place to live and work.

Lynne has been a proactive community representative over many years, driving positive projects and programs such as the Newman Revitalisation Project which has transformed the town centre of Newman.

Lynne currently chairs the Newman Women’s Shelter, the Newman Senior High School and the Newman Visitors Centre. She is a member of the Telstra Regional Committee, a board member of the East Pilbara Independence Support Service and a former Chair of the Pilbara Regional Council.

During her time as a State Councillor, Deputy President and President of the WA Local Government Association, Lynne chaired the Honours Panel, the Selection Committee, the Mining Communities Policy Forum, and the Economic Development Policy Forum. She was a member of the Executive Committee, the Metropolitan Reform Implementation Policy Forum and the President’s Advisory Group.

Lynne was also a board member of both the Local Government Insurance Scheme, and the Local Government House Trust.

A highly respected community advocate and a tireless, committed and engaging leader, Lynne Craigie is a worthy recipient of the 2020 Local Government Medal.


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.

Eminent Service Award

Frank Cvitan JP City of WannerooA 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 City of RockinghamAn 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.

Olwen Searle JP City of GosnellsA 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 Perth 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.




Norm Trenfield Shire of MeekatharraRetiring 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.

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

Long and Loyal Service Award


Karl Brandenburg Shire of CarnarvonPresident 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 of QuairadingShire 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.

David Boothman JP City of StirlingA 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.


Peter Denton Shire of Cranbrook 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 City of KwinanaDeputy 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 City of Perth 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.


Ian (Sam) Collard Shire of GinginAlways 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.


Geraldine Hinkley Shire of Wickepin 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 Shire of GnowangerupPassionate 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.

Ray Harrington OAM Shire of West ArthurA 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.



Phillip Matsumoto Shire of Broome 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.


Douglas Kelly Shire of CunderdinElected 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.


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.

Stephanie Proud JP City of StirlingThe 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.



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

Local Government Merit Award

Karen Caddy City of StirlingA 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.


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 Shire of Mundaring 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 Busselton A Councillor with the City of Busselton 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.


Kim Mills Shire of Brookton 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 StirlingServing 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 BusseltonServing 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.



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 Scarborough Beach Road. 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 StirlingA 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.


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

Local Government Distinguished Officers Award


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 Shire of Merredin 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 City of Bunbury, first as a Finance and Rating Officer, ultimately being appointed as Manager Administration and Property Services. Also working briefly for the Shire of Northam 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 Shire of Manjimup 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 Shire of Leonora 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.


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.

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

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 6007T (08) 9213 2000 l F (08) 9213 2077 l E [email protected]

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Honours 2020 - WALGA