Published on Friday, 7 October 2022 at 11:31:58 AM
Council has awarded Mr Dudley Maslen OAM with the title of Honorary Freeman of the Shire of Carnarvon for his outstanding contribution and dedication to the Shire and the local community. The unanimous decision was made at the September Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 28 September 2022, after the nomination was put forward by the Council’s Awards Committee.
Mr Maslen was born in Carnarvon and raised on Mardathuna Station, a cattle station 100km east of Carnarvon. He entered local government in 1975, serving as Councillor for the Shire of Carnarvon from 1975 to 1983, and again from 1986 to 1988. In 2003 he was elected President for the Shire, serving two terms from May 2003 to October 2011. He is also a former State Government Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the seat of Gascoyne serving from 1987 to 1989.
Mr Maslen was instrumental in the recovery efforts in the 1989 flood, which included arranging a helicopter for the evacuation of a pastoral outstation. In 1999, he managed the recovery for the pastoral hinterland after Cyclone Vance and demonstrated excellent leadership during the 2010-11 floods when he was President.
This year, he was recognised for this service to local government and the Carnarvon community, being awarded with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on 13 June 2022.
Mr Maslen’s service and achievements in the Shire of Carnarvon include:
- Councillor, Shire of Carnarvon 1975-1983 and 1986-1988
- Shire President, Shire of Carnarvon May 2003-October 2011
- Member, Executive Committee Pastoralists' and Graziers' Association, on Pastoral Executive Sub-Committee
- Chairperson and Secretary, Gascoyne District Committee
- Director, Carnarvon Transport Co-operative
- Deputy Member, Pastoral Board 1983–1984
- Chairman, WA Rangeland Meat Cooperative
- Inaugural Chairperson, Regional Advisory Committee of Agriculture Protection Board
- Member, Carnarvon Artesian Basin Advisory Committee
- Member, Ningaloo Sustainable Development Committee
- Former Member, WA Club
- Justice of the Peace
- Member, Royal Agricultural Society, Carnarvon Club, Australian Rangeland Society
- Life Member, RSPCA
- Secretary and Chairperson, Winning Picnic Race Club
- Chairman, Northwest Games Organising Committee, 1992
- Patron, Carnarvon Yacht Club and Race Club
- Member, Carnarvon Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Mr Maslen says he is humbled that Council has awarded him with the Honorary Freeman of the Shire of Carnarvon. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to make whatever contributions, that, hopefully have made a difference and in some way improved our community,” said Mr Maslen. “I could not have done this without the support of my family and many loyal friends in Carnarvon and indeed throughout the State. I have certainly received a great deal of satisfaction from helping where and when I could.”
“This is dedicated to all the unsung and quiet achievers who have and continue to work diligently as volunteers and contribute to our community.”
Shire President Eddie Smith was pleased to notify Mr Maslen of his award. “The contribution Mr Maslen has made to the Carnarvon community throughout his life is exceptional,” said Cr Smith. We couldn’t think of a more deserving person to be recognised with this prestigious award.”
The Shire will host a private lunch at the Council Chamber this month to commemorate the occasion.
About the Honorary of Freeman for the Shire of Carnarvon
This prestigious award is only given in rare and exceptional circumstances to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the Shire of Carnarvon. The Council was guided by the criteria outlined in Council Policy EM018 which states that nominees should have lived in the Shire of Carnarvon for a significant number of years and given extensive and distinguished service to the community on a volunteer capacity.
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