THREE Wagin shire councillors, including shire president Phillip Blight and a West Arthur shire councillor were among those to be recognised for their commitment to their communities through local government recently.
Councillors Phillip Blight, Ian Cumming and Ted Pugh from the Shire of Wagin and Cr Ian Woodruff from the Shire of West Arthur were all awarded long and loyal service awards at the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) convention held in Perth.
WALGA president Mayor Troy Pickard said the annual Local Government Honours Awards recognised community representatives with a passion for developing and improving communities who went above and beyond the normal requirements of their role.
“Community contributors are rarely financially rewarded for their efforts and the personal time and commitment given by local government representatives is seldom publicly acknowledged,” Mayor Pickard said.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to recognise their significant contribution and congratulate all recipients on their outstanding careers in local government.”
To be eligible for a long and loyal service award elected members must have served more than 12 years on council.
Cr Ian Cumming was elected to the position of councillor for the Shire of Wagin in 1990 and this year will mark his 20th year of outstanding and dedicated service to the shire and community of Wagin.
Cr Cumming has served consistently during this time on a number of shire committees including as chairman of the works and services committee.
He has been actively involved and provided support to see many of council's projects come to fruition.
A council delegate for the Cottage Homes committee he has worked tirelessly for the improvement of service and facilities within the community.
Cr Cumming has been a keen advocate and supportive of the establishment of Wagin’s Water Harvesting Scheme which has enabled council to water its parks and ovals without the use of scheme water.
Elected to council in May 1992, Cr Phillip Blight has been a dedicated member of the Shire of Wagin for 18 years.
Elected deputy shire president in 2007 and shire president in 2008, Cr Blight is a highly respected member of the Shire of Wagin, recognised for his significant contribution to the community.
Cr Blight has been a member of numerous council committees throughout his long service with the shire and has been an active member and chairperson of the Wagin Telecentre committee since its inception 10 years ago.
He is dedicated to the development of the community facilities and services.
Cr Blight has demonstrated leadership qualities since taking on the role of shire president in 2007 during some difficult periods.
A passionate and community minded representative, Cr Ted Pugh has served a combined total of 17 years of long and loyal service to the Shire of Wagin.
He has been an outstanding contributor to the Wagin community being involved in all council issues throughout his extensive tenure.
He has served on numerous council committees, including finance and general purposes, sports ground advisory committee and waste management and recycling committee and as a council delegate for the Community Centre committee.
Email a friend