Wanneroo Bestows Highest Civic Honour on Six Distinguished Residents
The City of Wanneroo is set to formally recognize six exceptional community members with its highest civic honour, the keys to the city, in a ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 9. This prestigious award, previously known as Honorary Freemen of the city until a name change in 2024, celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the local area.
Honorees Include War Veteran and Former Mayor
Among the recipients is 99-year-old war veteran Jack Le Cras, whose decades of military and civic service have profoundly shaped Wanneroo's culture of remembrance. Mr. Le Cras was one of the few Australians present at the historic signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender nearly 81 years ago. As former president of the Wanneroo RSL sub-branch, he has been a steadfast advocate for veterans' welfare, mental health, and community support, also dedicating almost 50 years to Lions Club International. He received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would join Wanneroo greats such as Margaret Cockman, Bill Marwick and Nick Trandos," Mr. Le Cras said. "The news, arriving on Christmas Eve 2025, made for a great Christmas present to share with my family."
Former Wanneroo mayor Jon Kelly, elected in 1999 as the youngest mayor in Western Australia at age 32, is also being honored for his leadership and long-standing contributions during his 12 years in office. "I consider it a great honour and privilege to have partnered with the people of the City of Wanneroo in shaping a rapidly growing and evolving community," Mr. Kelly stated.
Diverse Contributions Recognized Across Community
The other recipients have made significant impacts in various sectors:
- Marcia Janette Dinnie: Leading the Wanneroo Senior Citizens Club for over 25 years, she has enhanced social connection, well-being, and resilience for local seniors and is a past recipient of the City of Wanneroo Australia Day Senior Award.
- Julie Otremba: Serving the Yanchep and Two Rocks community tirelessly for more than three decades, including through her work with the Yanchep Community Bus Committee and the Yanchep Two Rocks Recreation Association.
- Janine Wood: Co-founder of No Limits Perth, a vital lifeline providing food, essentials, and support to vulnerable people across Perth, including those experiencing homelessness, escaping domestic violence, or facing hardship.
- Derek Young: A long-time member of the Two Rocks Bush Fire Brigade, recognized for his leadership in emergency services, coordinating the Two Rocks Youth in Emergency Services Cadet program, serving as deputy chief bush fire control officer, and training cadets at Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre.
Mayor Praises Community Spirit
Wanneroo mayor Linda Aitken praised all six recipients for embodying the dedication and community spirit that have helped shape the city. "Each of these remarkable individuals has given countless hours, energy and passion to our community," Ms. Aitken said. "Their contributions have helped make the city that we know today and it is a privilege to recognise their achievements by conferring them with the title as holders of the keys to the city."
This recognition highlights the diverse ways in which these individuals have strengthened Wanneroo, from veteran advocacy and emergency services to senior support and community development. The formal award ceremony will serve as a testament to their enduring impact on the local area.
