The Shire of Manjimup is
thrilled to announce the Hon. Paul Omodei has received the prestigious Local
Government Medal. The award recognises exceptional service, outstanding
achievements and significant contributions to the Western Australian Local
Government Association (WALGA), the local government sector across the State,
as well as the local community. The Local Government Medal is the highest award
honour by WALGA.
Shire President,
Donelle Buegge said “Cr Omodei has many years and diverse experiences in
Government. We congratulate him on his award and acknowledge his continued
commitment to our community”. Cr Omodei commented “I consider the awarding of
the Local Government Medal to me as one of the highlights of my public career”.
Cr Omodei is an
invaluable member of our community, with close to 40 years of experience in local
government, State Government, farming and corporate consulting. He began his elected
career in local government in May of 1976 at the Shire of Manjimup where he was
elected to Council and remained serving the Shire for 12 years. During this time,
he was the Shire President twice. Cr
Omodei returned to the Shire of Manjimup as an elected Councillor in 2013 and
took on the role of Shire President for the third time in March of 2017. Cr
Omodei stated that “as an elected leader at the Shire of Manjimup I have been
provided with strong support in the many campaigns waged in support of our
communities”.
Cr Omodei has
extensive experience in State Parliament, having been elected numerous times as
the member for Warren and Warren Blackwood. He has held many Ministerial seats
including the Minister for Local Government from 1993 until 2001. “I was
fortunate to be the Minister for Local Government at the time of significant
change with a stand-alone Local Government Department” Cr Omodei reflected on
his role.
“This is an
opportunity for me to recognise the immense contribution of my staff (over many
years) and public servants who, without their contributions, much of what was
achieved would not have been possible” Cr Omodei stated, particularly referring
to his time in Parliament.
In addition to his
elected Councillor role at Manjimup, Cr Omodei also serves as; a board member
for the WA Local Government Insurance Scheme, an advisory member of the WALGA
panel, the Deputy Chairperson for the Pemberton Aged Care Committee, the President
of the Pemberton Chamber of Commerce and various other local community groups
and associations. He is an upstanding member of our community who recognises
the importance of family, reflecting that “none of this would have been
possible without the support of my wife, Ros, and our immediate family”.
Cr Omodei is an
incredible individual who has spent his life with unwavering dedication to
public service. He consistently demonstrates outstanding service, character and
commitment to the sector, making exceptional contributions that have benefitted
countless communities across Australia. His tireless efforts exemplify the
spirit of this award and the Shire of Manjimup is grateful for his contributions
to our community and congratulate him on the immense achievement.
