Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones has been recognised for his ongoing commitment to Local Government over nearly thirty years with a Local Government Medal.
The highest honour in the WA Local Government Association’s honours program, the Medal is bestowed upon those providing exceptional service in advancing the goals of WALGA and Local Government, as well as the personal contribution given in pursuit of benefits for the community.
WALGA President Cr Lynne Craigie congratulated Mayor Zelones on his award and his many achievements across his 28 years’ service in the sector.
“Mayor Zelones has made an invaluable contribution to the sector and to the regions through his role as Mayor and his position on many committees and boards, including the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority, the WA Planning Commission and 13 years on our own WALGA State Council,” Cr Craigie said.
“In addition to his strong leadership at City of Armadale, Mayor Zelones has been a strong contributor to sector-wide issues, in particular Local Government reform, planning and development, and heritage issues.”
Cr Craigie said Mayor Zelones’ contribution to the sector received national recognition in 2014 with a Medal of the Order of Australia and WALGA was proud to award him their highest honour in the Local Government Medal.
“He has truly dedicated himself to improving the lives of others and we thank him for all he has done for the south east metropolitan region and the entire Local Government sector as a whole.”
In addition to the Local Government Medal, Life Membership was awarded to Mayor Tracey Roberts, Wanneroo Mayor and WALGA Deputy President.
Cr Craigie congratulated Mayor Roberts on the membership, saying she was highly regarded at all levels of government for excellent negotiation and lobbying abilities, in particular through her role as WALGA Deputy President and Vice President of ALGA.
“Mayor Roberts’ passion and drive for local communities has delivered great benefits, both to our sector and to the community of Wanneroo, and she is highly deserving of life membership to WALGA.”
Mayor Zelones and Mayor Roberts were among 29 Local Government Elected Members and Chief Executive Officers who received a Local Government Honours Award, announced as part of the 2019 WA Local Government Convention.
Held by the WA Local Government Association, the annual Convention attracts almost 500 representatives from Local Government across the State.
“These awards acknowledge the efforts of some extraordinary individuals who are visionary community leaders,” Cr Craigie said.
“We are privileged in being able to honour their commitment and dedication to local communities and Local Government and I congratulate them all on their awards.”
A full list of Local Government Honours Award recipients follows:
Local Government Medal
Mayor Henry Zelones OAM JP, City of Armadale
Life Membership
Mayor Tracey Roberts JP, City of Wanneroo
Eminent Service Award
John Cowcher, Shire of Williams (Posthumous)
Cr John Gangell, Town of Bassendean
Cr Murray Scott, President, Shire of Capel
Long and Loyal Service Award
Cr Brett Bell, Shire of Plantagenet
Cr Kevin Bailey, City of Swan
Cr Carmel Boyce, Shire of Dardanup
Cr Michael Greenwood, Shire of Tammin
Cr Todd Harris, Shire of Cunderdin
Ross Howden, ex Shire of Meekatharra
Cr Sandra Lee, City of Kwinana
Cr Duncan Macphail, City of Melville
Cr Peter McCumstie, Shire of Derby/West Kimberley
Cr Haydn McInnes, Shire of Kulin
Cr Julie Russell JP, Shire of Wickepin
Cr Ronald Wortley, City of Mandurah
Merit Award
Cr Peter Foster JP, Shire of Ashburton
Cr James Lee JP, Shire of Dardanup
Mayor Peter Long, City of Karratha
Cr Peter Robinson, Shire of Dardanup
Cr Garry Sheridan, Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup
Lee Steel, ex Councillor Shire of Pingelly
Cr Don Thomson, Shire of Tammin
Cr Kerry White, President, Shire of Ashburton
Local Government Distinguished Officer Award
Murray Brown, Murchison Country Zone & Multiple Local Governments
Andrew Campbell, CEO, Shire of Manjimup
Steve Fitzpatrick, Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC)
Rob Stewart, CEO, Shire of Plantagenet