Waroona Shire president, Mike Walmsley, has been named a winner in the 2018 Regional Achievement and Community Awards for his selfless volunteering.
The winners were announced at a gala dinner held at the Hyatt Regency Perth, on Friday evening.
Almost 500 guests gathered from across the state including official guest Minister for Regional Development Alannah MacTiernan.
Mr Walmsley received a $2,000 award prize.
The community man has been involved in volunteering for most of his life including chairing Quambie Park Aged Care Facility (15), helping at the Agricultural Society (38) and president of the local fire-brigade (3).
He has also been on local council, on-and-off, for more than 11 years.
The farmer was nominated by Waroona Shire resident Maree Ellis, who witnessed his tireless work first-hand, during the 2016 fires.
“I feel he was very worthy of being acknowledged for what he does,” she said.
He does so much for the community – his whole family does.
- Waroona Shire resident Maree Ellis
“He does so much for the community – his whole family does.”
Ms Ellis said the father-of-four did not let being a bushfire victim himself, get in the way of helping others.
“They protected their own place and fought for their neighbours,” she said.
“While their paddock was burnt, they set up a hay feed-depot, which was receiving hay on semi-trailers and disseminating to Waroona and Harvey.
“They held breakfasts and delivered gates and fencing from Perth – it was a big task.”
Ms Ellis said the Waroona man was a selfless person.
“I dont know how he does it,” she said. “He tries to be everywhere – I am not sure how much sleep he gets!”
