Mayor Carol Adams conferred the title of Freeman of the Municipality to David Nelson at the Civic Recognition Event on held on Thursday, 18 November.
The title recognises outstanding achievements, dedicated service to the community over an enduring period of time, and meritorious service to the City of Kwinana.
Council unanimously supported a nomination for David (Dave) Nelson to be named Freeman on 26 May, 2021, with the title scheduled to be conferred at the November Civic Recognition Event.
Mr Nelson has continuously served the community on a voluntary basis for more than 50 years with a strong bond with the Kwinana Lions Club.
In fact, 54 years ago, he was an inaugural member of the Kwinana Lions Club, held the position of president seven times, treasurer twice, and as secretary for more than 30 years.
For this service, he was awarded a ‘Life Member of the Lions’ and the prestigious ‘Melville Jones Fellow’, and this Freeman application was supported by the Kwinana Lions Club.
Mr Nelson also has a long and proud record of service with the Local Government in Kwinana.
He served as a Councillor from 1982 to 1994 and was Mayor from 1989 to 1992.
Mr Nelson’s nomination was made by former Councillor Bob Thompson and supported by Mayor Carol Adams and by fellow Freeman John Iriks on behalf of the Kwinana Rotary Club.
Mr Nelson was awarded a Rotary ‘Paul Harris Fellow’ to recognise outstanding service above self at to the community — an award made all the more significant because it was given to a non-Rotary member.
Mayor Carol Adams presented Mr Nelson with a certificate at the Civic Recognition Event and said his name would be displayed on the City’s Freeman honour board.
“I am honoured to be able to, on behalf of Council, publicly recognise and thank Mr Nelson for his ongoing dedication to Kwinana,” Mayor Adams said.
“Mr Nelson now joins a legacy of Freeman publicly recognised for their enduring dedication and commitment to the Kwinana community, conducting themselves with integrity and selflessness throughout this time.”