Local Government Awards 2026

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Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2026 WALGA Local Government Awards on Friday, 12 June at the WA Museum Boola Bardip.

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These important awards acknowledge the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Elected Members and Officers to the Local Government sector.

In deciding winners for each category, the Honours Panel considered 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.

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

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