Mr. Edward Johnston Award
This award was created by Council to acknowledge and recognise Outstanding Volunteer Service and Contribution to Community, and is named in honour of Mr. Edward Johnston, Merredin’s last known WWII veteran, who sadly passed away in May 2023,
Mr Johnston was heavily involved in community life from the time he arrived in town in 1955 until his passing in 2023. He served as secretary for the Civic Bowling Club in the 70s, and then a further 25 years as treasurer. He also served as worshipful master and secretary at the Merredin Lodge for 46 years, the treasurer of the Merredin Agricultural Society for 10 years, treasurer for the South Merredin Primary School P&C for 11 years, and treasurer of the Berringa Frail Ages Lodge for 3 years.
| Year |
Winner |
For |
| 2024 |
Stephen Crook |
Stephen was awarded this honour for his 35+ years of dedicated service to the community. Stephen has served for 20 years as the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer, an important and challenging volunteer role that requires significant time commitments, as well as considerable knowledge and experience. This role holds responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of almost 200 volunteer firefighters, as well as the community within the Shire of Merredin. It is no small feat to ask of a volunteer.
What set Stephen apart was not just the countless hours spent attending fires and incidents, but the genuine care and compassion with which he approached every aspect of his role. He has not only been a leader but a mentor, guiding and inspiring the next generation of volunteers to carry on the torch of service with the same unwavering dedication.
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