FREMANTLE councillor Doug Thompson was awarded life membership at the WA Local Government Association Awards last week. 

The North Ward representative was first elected to council in 1988, making him Fremantle’s longest serving councillor in its history. 

Cr Thompson was chair of the Municipal Waste Advisory Council and worked with the Resource Recovery Group as a councillor, and worked to establish the food and garden organics disposal systems in local governments across WA. 

• Doug Thompson receives his lifetime award from WALGA president Karen Chappel.

“It means a lot to me to have my contribution to waste management recycling and the introduction of FOGO and the container deposits scheme in local government recognised through this award.” 

Cr Thompson paid tribute to his colleagues, saying serving as a councillor has made him “appreciate the challenges and opportunities” as part of the “commitment we all have” to the communities they represent. 

“Nothing can be achieved in local government without the support of fellow councillors and the dedicated professional contribution of council staff,” Cr Thompson said. 

“I have worked with many council officers at the Resource Recovery Group and Fremantle council and with WALGA staff over the years.

“At all levels these officers are professional, impartial and strive for the best for our communities.”

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER