ROBERT Brodie-Hall and Bob James both received honorary freeman awards at the Shire of Gingin’s Australia Day celebration on January 26.
Mr Brodie-Hall of Gingin and Mr James of Lancelin were presented their awards by President Linda Balcombe in front of their family, friends and community at the shire’s Australia Day celebration in Neergabby.
Cr Balcombe said the honorary freeman was the highest award the council could bestow and was extended to members of the community who had demonstrated exceptional commitment and contribution to the community.
“Robert and Bob are two outstanding individuals who have set an inspiring example of leadership and service in the Gingin and Lancelin communities for many years and who wholeheartedly deserve the title of honorary freeman of the Shire of Gingin,’’ she said.
Cr Balcombe said since his arrival in Gingin in 1968 Mr Brodie-Hall’s commitment to the area and passion for tourism had seen him bring about the Gingin British car day event which had been successfully running for almost four decades and continued to bring thousands of visitors to Gingin every year.
Mr Brodie-Hall served as a shire councillor from 1984 to 1993 and has served on numerous committees within the Gingin community including the Gingin 150th anniversary celebration organising committee and the Gingin CRC management committee.
He is currently president of the Gingin Men’s Shed, a serving member of the Gingin West Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade and a life member of the Gingin Golf Club.
Mr Brodie-Hall was the recipient of the Premier’s Australia Day active citizen award 2006 for outstanding contribution to community together with the Premier’s Australia Day award for a community event – Gingin British car day 2006.
At the Australia Day celebration in Neergabby, Bob James of Lancelin receives his honorary freeman award from Shire of Gingin President Linda Balcombe.Cr Balcombe said Mr James’ dedication and passion for emergency services had spanned almost 40 years and his volunteer service for both St John WA Lancelin and Coastal Districts sub-centre and Lancelin Volunteer Marine Rescue had earned him the affection and respect of the shire’s northern coastal community.
Mr James served as a shire councillor from 2011 to 2015 and has been a volunteer ambulance officer and member of St John WA since 1996 and a life member since 2019.
He has served in the capacity of emergency medical technician, trainer and volunteer development officer and spent 20 years as chairman.
In addition, Mr James has been a volunteer for Lancelin Volunteer Marine Rescue since 1987, vice-commander since 2018 and has served as senior skipper, trainer and management committee member.
Mr James was awarded the Order of Australia medal (OAM) in the general division for his service to the community of Lancelin in 2023 and was the recipient of the Australia Day senior community citizen of the year award 2017 and St John WA trainer of the year award 2004.
“On behalf of the council, shire staff and community, I’d like to congratulate Robert and Bob once again on receiving the honorary freeman award and extend to you both our deepest thanks for all your wonderful service,’’ Cr Balcombe said.
