Norm Wallace and Pat Elliot were both nominated for their outstanding commitment and distinguished service to the Shire and will receive the formal award during the Shire’s Australia Day Celebrations in January.
The title Honorary Freeman is awarded to shire residents who have demonstrated exceptional levels of service to their communities and selection is made without the nominee’s knowledge.
Mr Wallace, originally from Ireland, became a resident of Gingin with his young family in 1960 and spent 33 years as Road Board Secretary and Shire Clerk.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWFor more than 50 years he held positions in sporting and community groups including the Gingin Golf Club and Lions Club of Gingin/Chittering, and he continues to serve on a number of committees in the region.
Mrs Elliot, the Shire’s first female nominee, has been a Shire resident since 1978 and an integral member of many community organisations.
She has coached netball and tennis for many years, been an active member of the Gingin District High School P & C and volunteered with Gingin South Bushfire Brigade and St John Ambulance, with which she still serves.
‘Both Norm and Pat have been the backbone of our community,’ Shire president Michael Aspinall said.
‘They are highly respected, and have a genuine love for and belief in the Shire. They could not be more deserving of this award.’
The Honorary Freeman award is the highest honour a local government can bestow upon a person and it entitles the recipient to a commemorative plaque and invitation to all subsequent civic events and functions held within the Shire for life.