Published on Tuesday, 10 June 2025 at 5:03:07 PM
MEDIA RELEASE
10 June 2025
Cr Russel Thomson Awarded Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
The Shire of Woodanilling is proud to announce that Cr Russel Thomson has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List for his outstanding service to the community of Woodanilling.
Cr Thomson’s dedication to public service spans more than four decades. He has served as a Councillor for the Shire of Woodanilling since 1982, including 26 years as Shire President (1995–2021) and multiple terms as Deputy Shire President, most recently since 2022. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Shire’s development and community spirit.
Beyond his council duties, Cr Thomson has been a passionate advocate for land conservation and sustainable agriculture. He was a founding member of the Land Conservation Development Committee and played a key role in establishing the Wagin Woodanilling Landcare Zone and the Blackwood Basin Group. His contributions to natural resource management have been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the Australian Government’s Individual Landcare Award (2009) and the WA State Landcare Award (2008).
Cr Thomson is also a long-standing member of the Katanning Rotary Club, where he has held numerous leadership roles, including Club President and Director of various portfolios. In 2021, he was honoured as a Paul Harris Fellow for his commitment to Rotary’s values and community service.
In addition to his civic and environmental work, Cr Thomson has been a dedicated volunteer with the Woodanilling Bushfire Brigade since 1973 and is the founder of Big Bale, a hay and straw baling business that has supported the region’s agricultural sector for over 30 years.
The Shire invites the community to join in celebrating this well-earned recognition of one of Woodanilling’s most dedicated citizens.
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