Published on Wednesday, 1 February 2023 at 12:20:26 PM
Mount Barker Rotary Club, in conjunction with the Shire of Plantagenet, recognised the outstanding service of individuals and groups during a ceremony at Frost Park on Australia Day.
Following a Mount Barker Rotary Club breakfast, Club President Anthony Middleton officially opened the event and welcomed a crowd of more than 200 attendees.
The Rotary Vocational Service Award was presented to Kurt Edwards in recognition of his contribution to the community as a volunteer firefighter, involvement with the Plantagenet Players and achievements as Mount Barker Community College Head Boy.
The Rotary Community Service Award was presented to Fiona Glen and Robert Healy in recognition of their contribution to the Porongurup community.
Shire President Chris Pavlovich then invited Department of Fire and Emergency Services Area Officer (AO) Wes Bailye to present Long Service and National Medals to bush fire brigade members in recognition of long and diligent service.
Kevin Forbes received a 55-year Long Service Bush Fire Brigade Clasp. Mr Forbes joined Middleward Bush Fire Brigade in 1965, was appointed the Shire of Plantagenet’s Fire Control Officer in 2004, the Shire’s Chief Bushfire Control Officer in 2013 and joined Narpyn Bush Fire Brigade in 2018.
Owen Sounness received a 35-year National Medal clasp and a 30-year Long Service Bush Fire Brigade Medal. Mr Sounness joined Narpyn Bush Fire Brigade in 1985, was appointed Shire of Plantagenet Fire Control Officer in 2001 and appointed position of Lieutenant between 2004 and 2021.
Murray Wills received a 20-year Long Service Bush Fire Brigade Medal. Mr Wills joined North Dandalup Bush Fire Brigade in 1993, where he held positions of Captain, Lieutenant and Shire Fire Control Officer. He joined Rocky Gully Bush Fire Brigade in 2005 and held positions of Lieutenant and Captain and is the current Captain. He was appointed Shire of Plantagenet Fire Control Officer in 2009 and appointed Chief Bush Fire Control Officer and Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer between 2010–2014.
Robert Graham received a 10-year Long Service Bush Fire Brigade Medal. Mr Graham joined Narpyn Bush Fire Brigade in 2004.
The Shire of Plantagenet Community Citizen of the Year was presented to George Corke in recognition of more than 40 years of outstanding service to the community across numerous organisations, primarily the arts and youth development.
Senior Citizen of the Year recipient Robert Clarke was recognised for his dedicated service to the community across numerous organisations, including the Narpyn Bush Fire Brigade, State Emergency Service, Anglican Church and St John Ambulance over many decades. Mr Clarke was unable to attend and his award was accepted on his behalf.
The Active Citizenship Group Award was presented to Mount Barker Tourism Inc. in recognition of their operation of the Mount Barker Visitor Centre seven days per week, providing a vital tourism service to visitors and the community.
Cr Pavlovich congratulated all the recipients and praised their efforts to make Plantagenet an enjoyable place to live, work and visit.
“Thank you for your dedication to going above and beyond for your community,” Cr Pavlovich said.
“These awards reflect the valuable work you all do and I offer my sincere appreciation to each of you, on behalf of the Council and the Shire.”
Cr Pavlovich also offered a warm welcome to the Shire’s newest citizens: Mr Alec Hillary and Ms Annabel Charlton from the United Kingdom, Mr Karar Khan Muhammad and Mr Basit Yousufi from Pakistan, and Ms Shakila Jafari, Mr Mohammad Nawroozi, Mr Hafizullah Qasimi, and Mr Ghulam Alizada from Afghanistan.
The Community Citizen of the Year Awards are proudly sponsored by Department of Communities, supported by Channel 9, 6PR and WA Today, and delivered in partnership with Auspire – Australia Day Council WA.
Shire of Plantagenet Community Citizen of the Year recipient George Corke.
Rotary Vocational Service Award recipient Kurt Edwards with Club President Anthony Middleton.
Rotary Community Service Award recipients Fiona Glen and Robert Healy with Club President Anthony Middleton.
Shire of Plantagenet Senior Citizen of the Year recipient Robert Clarke's award was accepted by Sue Clarke. Pictured with Shire President Chris Pavlovich.
Shire of Plantagenet Active Citizenship Group Award recipients Mount Barker Tourism Inc.
Back to All News