Published on Wednesday, 17 August 2022 at 4:00:56 PM

Honorary Freeman of Shire Awarded to Harry Gayfer

An Honorary Freeman award was presented to Harry Gayfer at a dinner held at the Corrigin Hotel last night in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Shire of Corrigin and devotion to the local community. 

Throughout his life Harry has had a long association with sporting and community groups in Corrigin and the region.  He was involved in the local football club and P and C Association for many years but his most notable contribution has been to the Corrigin Bowling Club.  Harry was President of the club from 1989 to 1991 and 2017 to 2019. During this time he coordinated the regeneration of the old greens to the new modern grass greens and later led the transition of the greens to the new synthetic surface. In 2019 the Corrigin Bowling Club bestowed Harry with a Life Membership for his contribution to the club

Harry joined Shire of Corrigin as a Councillor in 1992 and held the position of Deputy President from 1995 to 2001 and President from 2001 to 2007.  During his term as Councillor Harry was passionate about local development and was involved in many townsite improvement projects including the upgrades to recreational facilities, community buildings and the development of new industrial and residential subdivisions.

Harry encouraged Councils to be more expansive in their thinking and to get more involved in high level decisions that affected wheatbelt communities especially improving country roads.  He was the Deputy President of the WALGA Central Country Zone from 2003 to 2005 and President from 2005 to October 2007.

His notable contribution to local government was recognised with a WA Local Government Association Distinguished Service Award in 2008.

During his lifetime in Corrigin, Harry has endeared himself to the community by the way he has devoted himself to various community organisations and by his enthusiasm and sincerity, he has attained the respect and admiration of his peers and colleagues.

In accepting his award Harry thanked his wife Sue and his fellow councillors for their support in allowing him to dedicate time to Council and community interests.

Pictured: Shire President, Des Hickey and Honorary Freeman of the Shire of Corrigin, Harry Gayfer.

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