Shire of Augusta-Margaret River councillor and former president Ian Earl scores WALGA eminent service award

Veteran councillor Ian Earl was recognised this week for 15 years of service as well as his significant contributions to the community. As the elected member eyes his final year in office — making no secret about his retirement plan for next year’s local government election — he picked up an Eminent Service Award at last week’s annual WA Local Government Association shindig. “It is an honour to serve our wonderful Augusta-Margaret River community and to be recognised at the WALGA awards night,” Cr Earl said. “I would like to thank Helen, my wife of 49 years, because without her I would not have been able to do all of these things and be so involved in this great community.” Cr Earl joined the council in 2009 and served two stints as shire president and also served as deputy. The award also noted his longstanding service as a volunteer firefighter, which was also cited by Shire president Julia Meldrum in congratulating her colleague. “From being a member of the Cowaramup bushfire brigade for 43 years and a president of six sporting clubs, to volunteering as a student mentor at the Margaret River Senior High School and providing over 100 young people with workplace learning opportunities in his business, Ian’s dedication and commitment to our community is extraordinary,” Cr Meldrum said. She described the councillor as a “down-to-earth, all-in, hands-on” community leader, making him a very worthy recipient of the Eminent Service Award. “Ian is the epitome of community service,” the shire president said. “His passion for where he lives and his drive to see our community thrive is evident in everything he does.” Among numerous achievements, Cr Earl’s leadership as president during the COVID-19 pandemic and his proactive decision to create a $2 million community care package were noted.