Kwinana Mayor awarded OAM

City of Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams has been awarded one of the nations highest honours - an Order of Australia Medal - for her long-term service to local government and to the community, as part of the Queen’s Birthday honours list.

Entering local government as a councillor to the then Town of Kwinana in 1997, Ms Adams has dedicated 22-years to the Kwinana community both in her role as Mayor and with her commitment and membership to several community boards, clubs and organisations.

“I received an email out of the blue to say I had been nominated...I was totally surprised,” she said.

“I am very proud and privileged to be the recipient of such a unique award, especially when there are so many other people in Kwinana and WA who contribute to the community in their own ways and who are just as worthy.”

Elected deputy Mayor in 2005 and becoming the City’s first female Mayor in 2006, Ms Adams has helped steer council through several challenging decisions. She credited much of her success to her support network, fellow staff, and past and present councillors.

“When I was elected as a councillor I was a second year law student with no real interest in local government,” she said.

“One day I attended a community meeting about the rezoning of a park I used to walk my dog around... from there the journey began.

“I thought I’d only be a one-term councillor, but local government gets into your blood.

“I’ve been fortunate to be in a leadership position for the last 22 years...it’s about trying to improve Kwinana and make it a better place for the community, and when I look back I would like to think Kwinana has changed for the better.”

Her commitment to the community also extends to include her work with Moorditj Koort Aboriginal Corporation, Kwinana Early Years Service, Gilmore College Independent Board and the Kwinana Citizens Advice Bureau .