Local Government Honours Program

For exceptional service, achievements and contributions of the highest degree in service of the Local Government sector.

Award Criteria

Presented in recognition of:

Exceptional service, achievements and contributions to the Local Government sector.
Contributions of high significance to the community through Local Government.
Sustained championing of the Local Government sector and the advancement of the position and value of WALGA and Local Government within the wider community.

The Award

Local Government Medal, framed certificate and WALGA lapel pin.
Complimentary registration at all future WA Local Government Conventions (not including travel, accommodation, meals or functions).
Automatic nomination for Australian Honours / Western Australia Week Awards.
WALGA Life Membership.

For outstanding service and contribution to WALGA.

Award Criteria

Presented in recognition of:

Outstanding service and contributions to WALGA and its Members over a long period of time.
Representation of WALGA with distinction.

The Award

Framed certificate and WALGA lapel pin.
Complimentary registration at all future WA Local Government Conventions (not including travel, accommodation, meals or functions).

For eminent service and distinguished contributions to WALGA, Local Government and/or the Local Government sector.

Award Criteria

Presented in recognition of:

Significant and distinguished participation and contribution to WALGA, Local Government and/or the Local Government sector.
Demonstrated record of leadership and commitment to Local Government.

The Award

Framed certificate.

For notable service and contributions to WALGA, Local Government and/or the Local Government sector.

Award Criteria

Presented in recognition of:

Notable contributions and service to WALGA, Local Government and/or the Local Government sector.
Potential for ongoing participation and leadership in WALGA, Local Government and/or the Local Government sector.

The Award

Framed certificate.

For noteworthy contributions to Local Government, demonstrated leadership and commitment to professional development for an individual aged 35 years or younger.

Eligibility Requirements

This award is restricted to nominees aged 35 years or younger as of 31 December 2026.

Please note: due to the age requirement for this award, the Panel's decision to present an award to a Nominee is conditional upon verification of the Nominee's date of birth by the Secretariat. Successful Nominees may be contacted directly by the Secretariat and asked to provide a copy of their ID.

Award Criteria

Presented in recognition of:

Notable contributions to Local Government.
Demonstrated ability to make sustained and significant contributions to Local Government.
Demonstrated leadership.
Commitment to ongoing self-development and professional learning.

The Award

Framed certificate.
Complimentary registration to the 2026 WA Local Government Convention (not including travel, accommodation, meals or functions).

TESTIMONIAL

Hear from former Shire of Brookton President Katrina Crute – 2025 Recipient of WALGA’s Life Membership Award

“This award meant a lot, it was recognition by my peers of my commitment to my role over 16 years, not just for the Shire but the wider Wheatbelt Region too,” Katrina said.

“For WALGA to recognise my service, leadership, and commitment, beyond what is expected by an elected member, makes it very significant.

“Recognition is important, it demonstrates to others outside of the industry that our work is valuable and has an impact. In a climate where we sometimes face scrutiny, criticism and judgement, these awards help people realise we are doing our best and improving communities, for everyone.”

Download the Nominations Kit

Not sure where to start? Download the Nominations Kit for all of the requirements and forms you need!

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TESTIMONIAL

Hear from Sam Mastrolembo, Shire of Broome CEO – 2025 recipient of WALGA’s Eminent Service Award

“With a career spanning over 25 years, this Award gave me the opportunity to stop and reflect on my journey.

“It wasn’t just about my achievements at the Shire of Broome, but more the recognition of my efforts, growth, and achievements over many years. To have the Shire President nominating me (without my knowledge), really demonstrated his appreciation for my efforts, which meant a lot.

“Winning was a pleasant surprise. With both myself and the Deputy President receiving our Awards together, it demonstrated to the community the experience and quality of our leadership. So, if you are thinking about nominating someone, take the time and just do it.”

Nominations for all awards within the Honours Program can be made by either a Member Local Government or a State Councillor.

All nomination forms must be signed by the person nominating (the Nominator) and a second person supporting the nomination (the Co-Nominator).

For nominations of Elected Members by Member Local Governments, the Nominator and Co-Nominator must be an Elected Member or CEO of the Local Government.

For nominations of Officers by Member Local Governments, the Nominator and Co-Nominator must be an Elected Member, CEO or Executive Director/Manager (direct report to the CEO) of the Local Government.

For nominations made by a State Councillor, the Co-Nominator must be another State Councillor or an Elected Member or the CEO from the Nominee's Local Government.

All Local Government Elected Member and Officers are eligible for nomination for all award categories.

The Troy Pickard Young Achievers Award is restricted to nominees aged 35 years or younger as of 31 December 2026.

Nominations will not be accepted for persons who have retired or ceased working for Local Government at or before 31 December 2023.

Please complete the nomination form and submit together with a profile of the Nominee, which considers the award criteria and a photograph of the Nominee.

Nominators are welcome to submit as part of their nomination any documents which they consider provides support to the substance of the nomination (that is, goes towards the award criteria). This may include newspaper clippings, certificates, or letters of recommendation.

Nominations will close at 5:00pm on Thursday, 2 April 2026. Any nominations or supporting information received after this date will not be accepted or considered by the Honours Panel.

The Honours Panel will meet after the nominations closing date to adjudicate in the selection of Honours recipients.

The criteria listed for each award forms the basis for the selection of recipients and will be applied in the selection process. When deliberating, the Honours Panel considers the nomination in its entirety, with reference to the eligibility and criteria for each award. The Panel also has the discretion to give a different award to the Nominee than the award for which they were nominated.

Nominees will only be notified if they are successful. Nominators and Co-Nominators will also be notified of the outcome of their nomination, whether successful or unsuccessful. All correspondence will be primarily via the email address provided on the nomination form.

We request you treat the nomination process with discretion and sensitivity.

Nominations will close at 5:00pm on Thursday, 2 April 2026. Any nominations or supporting information received after this date will not be accepted or considered by the Honours Panel.

The Honours Panel will meet after the nominations closing date to adjudicate in the selection of Honours recipients.

The criteria listed for each award forms the basis for the selection of recipients and will be applied in the selection process.

When deliberating, the Honours Panel considers the nomination in its entirety, with reference to the eligibility and criteria for each award. The Panel also has the discretion to give a different award to the Nominee than the award for which they were nominated.

Nominees will only be notified if they are successful. Nominators and Co-Nominators will be notified of the outcome of their nomination, whether successful or unsuccessful. All correspondence will be via the email address provided on the nomination form.

We request you treat the nomination process with discretion and sensitivity.

In deciding winners for each category, the Honours Panel consider the demonstrated character, integrity and proper conduct of the nominee. The Honours Panel was established by State Council as an independent group to provide a fair, unbiased and depoliticised process for the administration of the annual Local Government Honours Program.