Published on Friday, 29 November 2019 at 1:02:34 PM
Retired councillors Lyn Baker and Shannon Hardingham were honoured by the Shire of Corrigin at a dinner held at the Corrigin Recreation and Events Centre on Saturday 23 November 2019. The retiring councillors were presented with certificates in recognition of their service.
During the evening newly elected Shire President, Des Hickey, made a special presentation to Lyn Baker with the awarding of an Honorary Freeman of the Shire in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Shire of Corrigin and devotion to the local community.
Lyn is a passionate advocate for her local community and is committed to advancing the interests of her home town throughout the Wheatbelt region. A committed and selfless community representative, Lyn Baker has been an active participant in local community groups and sporting clubs as well as community events and activities.
From the time Lyn was elected as a Councillor with the Shire of Corrigin in 2003, her contribution to the local government and wider community has been significant. Lyn held the position of Deputy President from 2007 to 2009 and was elected to the role of President in 2009; a position she held for ten years until her recent retirement. During her term as President she dedicated herself to improving the services and facilities in Corrigin and the Wheatbelt region. She was a driving force in many of the large infrastructure projects including the Corrigin Recreation and Events Centre and hydrotherapy pool. Keeping the community informed and up to date with local, regional and state issues was important to Lyn and she contributed an incredible 95 articles to the local paper The Windmill during her time as Shire President.
Lyn is highly regarded in the Corrigin community for her valued contribution to health care services and represented the Shire of Corrigin on the Wheatbelt South Aged Housing Alliance, Corrigin Senior Citizens Committee and Community Development Fund. She has also represented the Shire of Corrigin on the WA Local Government Association’s Central Country Zone, Roe Regional Organisation of Councils and Roe Health Initiative.
As a member of the Shire of Corrigin Council as well as a respected member of both the Bullaring and Corrigin communities, Lyn Baker has made a positive and enthusiastic contribution to community life including:
- Eminent Service Award WA Local Government Association 2018
- President Shire of Corrigin 2010 – 2019
- Deputy President Shire of Corrigin 2007 – 2009
- Councillor Shire of Corrigin 2003 – 2019
- Board Member Rural Health West 2015 - 2020
- Corrigin Community Development Trust 2011 - 2019
- Trustee Edna Stevenson Trustee 2010 – 2016
- Chair Small Business Centre Eastern Wheatbelt 2010 - 2017
- President Corrigin Hockey Club
- Secretary Corrigin Hockey Club
- Secretary Roe Districts Hockey Association
- Chair of Central Agcare 2000 - 2006
- Board Member of Rural Financial Counselling Association
- Treasurer Corrigin Tennis Club 2005- 2006
- Secretary Corrigin Tennis Club 2004 - 2005
- DE Jones Sportsperson of the Year 1995
- Secretary Corrigin Swimming Club 1993 – 1995
- Coach Corrigin Swimming Club 1988 – 1994
- President Corrigin Child Health Committee 1983 - 1984
- Corrigin District High School Parents and Citizens Association fundraising events and catering
- Bullaring Community events and functions
- Corrigin Entertainers Group
- Organising committee - ladies luncheons, farewell for Dr Fitton, A Day in the Shed, drought forum and various mental health initiatives.
Lyn continues to represent regional local governments to address the constant challenge of recruiting and retaining doctors through her work as a Director on the Rural Health West Board.
During the award presentation Cr Des Hickey said “One of Lyn’s most valuable contributions during her time on Council was her work as the Chairperson of the Wheatbelt South Regional Road Group and delegate to the Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network where she worked tirelessly to lobby for funding to improve the quality of regional roads. Her comprehensive knowledge and extensive networks were a benefit to the effectiveness of the group in maximising road funding for member councils”.
Following the award presentation a special video message of congratulations was played from Freemen of the Shire, Mr Bill Seimons and Hon Mick Gayfer.
President of the neighbouring Shire of Kulin, Mr Barry West, congratulated Lyn on behalf of the Roe Regional Organisation of Councils for her Honorary Freeman Award. “Lyn has attained the respect and admiration of her peers and colleagues and I am not surprised that the Shire of Corrigin decided to make such a prestigious award to her.” Barry said.
In accepting her award Lyn thanked her husband Rodney and their five daughters as well as their families for their support in allowing her to dedicate time to Council and community interests. “I feel very humbled that I should be recognised in this way and assure you that the title of Freeman of the Shire of Corrigin is one which I will carry with immense pride”
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