Published on:
Monday, 15 June 2026For the full image library visit: https://walga.pixieset.com/walgalocalgovernmentawards2026/
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WALGA’s annual Local Government Awards for 2026 saw more than 40 current and former Elected Members and Local Government officers recognised with Honours Awards for their outstanding contributions across WA.
A number of Local Governments were also acknowledged for their significant work in making WA roads safer through WALGA’s RoadWise Recognised Awards and in making Local Governments more accessible through the Most Accessible Communities WA Awards (MACWA).
Hosted at the WA Museum Boola Bardip on Friday, 12 June, the WALGA Local Government Awards honour those who go above and beyond in serving their communities and saw the presentation of:
- WALGA Local Government Medal
- WALGA Life Membership
- WALGA Eminent Service Award
- WALGA Merit Award
- WALGA Troy Pickard Young Achievers Award
- WALGA RoadWise Recognised Award
- Most Accessible Communities Western Australia (MACWA) Awards
Former WALGA President and Shire of Morawa President Cr Karen Chappel AM JP was awarded the Local Government Medal, the highest honour, recognising exceptional service, achievements and contributions to the Local Government sector.
President Cr Beth Walton from the Shire of Sandstone was awarded WALGA Life Membership, for her outstanding service and contribution to WALGA.
Mason Pickard, son of former WALGA President Troy Pickard was a special guest on the evening and proudly awarded Deputy President Cr Reece Jerrett from the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, the Troy Pickard Young Achievers Award. This Award recognises those aged 35 years or younger for notable contributions and commitment to Local Government and demonstrated potential for professional success.
Six Local Governments were awarded RoadWise Recognised Awards for their commitment to best practice in the planning and delivery of impactful road safety interventions, and for the adoption of a holistic approach to road safety.
WALGA President Mark Irwin AM said the Awards highlighted individuals whose contributions have strengthened the Local Government sector and supported the communities they represented.
“Behind every great community are Local Government Elected Members and Officers who put in extraordinary efforts to deliver better outcomes,” President Irwin said.
“I particularly want to acknowledge former WALGA President and Shire of Morawa President Karen Chappel AM JP for being awarded the Local Government Medal in recognition of her incredible contribution to the sector of more than 20 years’ of service.
“Congratulations to everyone who was recognised for their efforts.”
Media contact
WALGA Media and Communications
[email protected] or 0448 896 435
2026 Awards Recipients
WALGA Honours Award Recipients
Local Government Medal
President Cr Karen Chappel AM JP – Shire of Morawa
WALGA Life Membership
President Cr Beth Walton – Shire of Sandstone
Troy Pickard Young Achievers Award
Deputy President Cr Reece Jerrett – Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale
Eminent Service Award
Mr Barry Haywood - Shire of Goomalling
Mayor Karen Vernon - Town of Victoria Park
Mr Gavin Treasure - Shire of Dumbleyung
Cr Wendy McWhirter Brooks - Shire of East Pilbara
Cr Linton Rumble JP - Shire of Ashburton
Mayor Patrick Hall JP - City of Canning
Mr Jeremy O'Neill - Shire of Capel
Mr Gregory Dwyer - Shire of Menzies
Merit Award
Deputy President Luke Ellery - Shire of Mundaring
Mr Ben Rose - Shire of Manjimup
Ms Natalie Bird - Shire of Goomalling
Mr Richard Walker - Shire of Boyup Brook
Cr Eng Wah Joel Chan - Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale
Ms Ann-Marie Mia Hicks - City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Ms Alina Behan - Shire of York
Cr Amy Hardham - Shire of Narembeen
Cr Deborah Fay Botica - City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Ms Kayla McNicol - City of Swan
Gary Smith - City of Armadale
Cr John Raftis - City of Joondalup
President Cr Ramesh (Ram) Rajagopalan - Shire of Bruce Rock
Mr James Watt - Shire of Broome
Mr David Blurton - Shire of Katanning
Cr Brie Noone - Shire of Ashburton
Ms Mary Ross - City of Canning
Cr Tony Krsticevic - City of Stirling
Cr Teresa Olow - City of Stirling
Cr Andrea Creado - City of Stirling
Cr Todd Harris - Shire of Cunderdin
President Cr Alison Harris - Shire of Cunderdin
Mr Norm Jenzen - Shire of Cunderdin
Mayor Linda Aitken - City of Wanneroo
Cr Ben Kunze - City of Canning
Mr Mark Dickson - City of Wanneroo
Mr Theo Naude - Shire of Dardanup
Ms Rhonda Mettam - Shire of Shark Bay
Mayor Katy Mair - City of Melville
Cr Jacqui Huntley - City of Wanneroo
WALGA RoadWise Recognised Awards
Acknowledgement of Participating Councils
City of Albany
Shire of Northam
Shire of Dalwallinu
Shire of Victoria Plains
WA Perpetual Award
Shire of Dowerin
RoadWise Recognised Award (Sponsored by Brooks Hire)
City of Wanneroo
Most Accessible Communities WA (MACWA) Awards
Access Award
Winner: Town of Victoria Park
Runner up: City of Albany
Highly Commended: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Inclusion Award
Winner: Town of Port Hedland
Runner up: City of Swan
Highly Commended: City of Stirling
