Shire Awards Two New Honorary Freeman

The Shire of Gingin is delighted to announce that 𝗠𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲-𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹 and 𝗠𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗯 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 were bestowed the Honorary Freeman of the Shire of Gingin award today, Sunday 26 January 2025.

This honour, which is only awarded on rare and exceptional occasions, recognises community citizens who have given extensive and distinguished service to the community, primarily in a voluntary capacity, and who have made an outstanding contribution to the Shire of Gingin region.

Mr Brodie-Hall of Gingin and Mr James of Lancelin were presented their Honorary Freeman of the Shire awards by Shire President Linda Balcombe in front of their family, friends and community at the Shire’s Australia Day celebration in Neergabby.

Shire President Linda Balcombe said: “The honour of Freeman of the Shire is the highest award Council can bestow and is extended to members of the community who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and contribution to our 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.”

𝙈𝙧 𝙍𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙞𝙚-𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙡: Since his arrival in Gingin in 1968, Mr Brodie-Hall’s commitment to the region and passion for tourism has seen him bring about the iconic Gingin British Car Day event which has been successfully running for almost four decades and continues to bring thousands of visitors to Gingin every year.

Mr Brodie-Hall served as Shire Councillor from 1984 – 1993 and has served on numerous committees within the Gingin community including the Gingin 150th Anniversary Celebration Organising Committee and 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 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.

𝙈𝙧 𝘽𝙤𝙗 𝙅𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨: Mr James’ dedication and passion for emergency services has spanned almost 40 years and his volunteer service for both St John Ambulance Lancelin and Coastal Districts Sub-Centre and Lancelin Volunteer Marine Rescue has earned him the affection and respect of the Shire’s northern coastal community.

Mr James served as Shire Councillor from 2011 – 2015 and he has been a volunteer ambulance officer and member of St John Ambulance WA since 1996 and 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 rescue craft 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 Ambulance Trainer of the Year Award 2004.

Cr Balcombe said: “On behalf of 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.”

Shire of Gingin media contact:

Meredith Taylor

Coordinator Communications & Marketing

T: (08) 9575 5150

E: meredith.taylor@gingin.wa.gov.au

Pictured: Shire President Linda Balcombe with Robert Brodie-Hall and Bob James.