On Friday, 2 August, WALGA hosted the Local Government Awards for 2024 at Winthrop Hall at the University of WA. 

Opened with a Welcome to Country by Cr Barry Winmar and speeches from WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP and the Honourable Hannah Beazley, Minister for Local Government, 2024 marked the first time that these Awards received the spotlight as a stand-alone event. 

This separation allowed recipients to celebrate with their families, colleagues, nominators and collaborators who have supported them on their Local Government journey. 

WALGA’s Local Government Awards, sponsored by LGIS and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries serve as a platform to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements and lasting contributions of Elected Members and Officers within their respective Councils, the Local Government sector, WALGA, and the wider community.   

Thank you to all who nominated their peers, attended the celebrations, and made the Awards a success.  

For more information about WALGA’s Local Government Awards, visit Local Government Honours Program | WALGA 

View the full image library on WALGA's Facebook.

2024 Local Government Award recipients 

Local Government Medal recipients 

The Local Government Medal in 2024 was awarded to two recipients who have provided exceptional long-standing service, outstanding achievements and significant contributions to WALGA and the entire Local Government Sector. 

Carol Adams OAM 

The Hon Paul Omodei- Shire of Manjimup 

Life Membership recipients 

Life membership of WALGA is awarded to those who have demonstrated outstanding service to WALGA, the Sector and the community over many years. 

Cr Doug Thompson - City of Fremantle 

Mr Frank Cvitan- City of Wanneroo 

Mayor Logan Howlett- City of Cockburn 

President Phillip Blight- Shire of Wagin 

Troy Pickard Young Achievers Award recipients 

Named in memory of former WALGA President Troy Pickard, the award recognises the contributions and commitment to Local Government by Elected Members or employees in the sector ages 35 years or under. 

Ms Donna Shaw - City of South Perth  

Cr Peter Rogers - City of Mandurah 

Cr Liam Gobbert - City of Perth 

Eminent Service Award recipients 

These next awards recognise eminent service and distinguished contributions to WALGA, their Local Government and the Local Government Sector as a whole. 

Ms Renee McLennan - Town of Bassendean  

Cr Eileen O'Connell - Shire of Nungarin 

Cr Isabelle Scott - Shire of Irwin 

President Cr Les Price - Shire of Cue 

Ms Robin Prentice - Shire of Laverton  

Mr Rodney Forsyth - Shire of Kellerberrin 

Mr Christopher Pavlovich - Shire of Plantagenet 

Mr Andrew Brien - City of Kalgoorlie Boulder 

Mr Christopher King - Shire of Perenjori 

Mayor Mark Irwin - City of Stirling 

Cr Ian Earl - Shire of Augusta Margaret River 

Local Government Merit Award recipients 

The Local Government Merit awards recognise notable contributions to WALGA, their Local Government or the Local Government Sector. 

Mayor David McMullen - City of Subiaco 

Cr Ken Stokes - Shire of Morawa  

Ms Renae Jury - Shire of Kent 

Mr Timothy Borgward - Shire of Kent 

Cr Scott Crosby - Shire of Kent 

Greg Ball - Shire of Wagin 

Cr Peter Jackson - City of Mandurah 

Cr John Chester- City of Joondalup  

Cr Dave Schumacher - City of Mandurah 

President Cr Harvey Nichols - Shire of Meekatharra 

Cr Bronwyn Ife - Town of Victoria Park 

Mr Paul Carter - City of Busselton  

Cr Stephen Lee - Shire of Murray 

Cr Christine Hamilton-Prime - City of Joondalup  

Mrs Moya Carne - Shire of Williams 

Mr Lui Camporeale - City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder 

President Cr Kirrilee Warr - Shire of Chapman Valley 

Local Government Distinguished Officer Awards 

Mr Dean Unsworth - Shire of Murray 

Ms Dionie Johnson - City of Kalgoorlie Boulder 

Mr Andrew Dover - Shire of Pingelly 

Mr Darren Mollenoyux - Shire of Bruce Rock 

Mr Geoffrey McKeown - Shire of Williams 

Sheri Moulds - City of Greater Geraldton  

Mr Jamie Blanchard - City of Stirling 

Ms Noelene Jennings PSM - City of Wanneroo 

Mr Abraham O'Connor - City of Stirling 

Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) WA Branch  

Evelyn Parker Women of Excellence Award 

Commendation: Ms Nicole O’Neill - Shire of East Pilbara 

Rhonda Hardy Women of Excellence Award

President Councillor Tracy Lefroy- Shire of Moora 
Ms Rebecca Maccario – City of Joondalup 

RoadWise Five Ribbon Council

Shire of Manjimup 

RoadWise Most Active Councils 

City of Albany 

Shire of Leonora 

City of Rockingham 

All inaugural RoadWise Councils were also congratulated and recognised for their commitment to working towards best practice road safety. 

WALGA Jacqui Dodd Scholarship recipients 

WALGA Training is proud to continue to support the sector by offering the prestigious Jacqui Dodd Scholarship to four successful recipients to complete the LGA50220 Diploma of Local Government – Elected Member.  

The Scholarship is named in honour of former long-serving WALGA Training Services Manager, Jacqueline Dodd. 

President Donelle Buegge – Shire of Manjimup 

Cr James Junio - Shire of Harvey 

Cr Ben Mayes – Town of Cambridge 

Cr Deborah Sessions – City of Belmont 

As part of WALGA’s ongoing commitment to showcasing excellence within the sector, the awards will be expanding to highlight achievements at an organisational level going forward – keep an eye out for the call for nominations in 2025!