Two community icons in the Shire of Murray have accepted the ceremonial title of Honorary Freeman for the local government.
During an event held in the council chambers on March 16, Local Government Minister David Templeman acknowledged Christine Thompson and Walter (Wally) Barrett for their invaluable contributions to the district and presented the honourees with their new title.
Ms Thompson and Mr Barrett join the only other two Freeman of the Shire of Murray, Harry and Noel Nancarrow.
Shire president David Bolt said bestowing the title of Honorary Freeman was one of the most prestigious forms of respect or recognition a local government could award an individual.
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“The title is given in rare and exceptional occasions to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the community,” Mr bolt said.
“Ms Thompson and Mr Barrett have each dedicated well over 30 years of service to the district and councillors were honoured to vote in support of bestowing the Honorary Freeman tile upon these two deserving individuals.”
Ms Christine Thompson was elected to council in May 1986, serving one of the longest continuous terms as a Shire of Murray councillor.
During her 31 year tenure, Ms Thompson served 16 years as deputy shire president and held positions on numerous boards and committees including 17 years as Local Emergency Management Committee chair.
Mr Bolt praised Ms Thompson’s leadership, particularly in emergency management which he described as second to none.
“Christine’s experience and strength shone through when she performed the role of recovery coordinator for the devastating Dwellingup fires in 2007,” he said.
In 2017, Ms Thompson was awarded the Western Australian Local Government Association’s Eminent Service Award and was recently named winner of the Women of Achievement Award at the Zonta Club of Peel’s International Women’s Day Breakfast.
Mr Walter Barrett has served the district in a number of capacities, including 23 years on council serving two terms as shire president from 2011 to 2015 and another as deputy president from 2009 to 2011.
Mr Bolt commended Mr Barrett’s knowledge, guidance and love of the Shire, which he added, have seen Mr Barrett play a very significant role in the district’s journey.
“Through membership on numerous boards and committees and over 41 years of service to the Lions Club International, Mr Barrett has shown great dedication and commitment to Local Government and the Shire of Murray as well as the wider Western Australian community,” Mr Bolt said.
In 2014, Mr Barrett received a Western Australian Local Government Association’s Eminent Service Award and in 2017, the Medal of the Order of Australia.
