Published on Tuesday, 6 August 2024 at 11:06:09 AM

The Town of Bassendean is delighted to announce that former Elected Member Renée McLennan has won the Eminent Service Award at WALGA’s 2024 Local Government Awards. Renée served as an Elected Member for the Town of Bassendean from 2015 to 2023. During that time, she held the position of Mayor from 2017 to 2021 and served as Deputy Mayor from 2021 to 2023.

The Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements and lasting contributions made by employees and Elected Members to their Councils, the Local Government sector and the wider community. The Eminent Service Award recognises eminent service and distinguished contributions to WALGA, Local Government and/or the Local Government sector. Mayor Kathryn Hamilton nominated Renée McLennan for the award. The ceremony was held on Friday 2 August 2024.

Renée McLennan was nominated for her transformational leadership, outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the Bassendean community. Under Renée McLennan's leadership, the Town of Bassendean became one of the first northern metropolitan councils to implement the three-bin FOGO system, driving the Town of Bassendean landfill diversion rate from 20.6% to 62.2% within the first year. Renée also achieved the inclusion of a 30% tree canopy target as an advocacy position, and ensured the Town delivered a planting program designed to significantly improve the district’s canopy cover.

As a community leader, Renée drove the implementation of successful volunteer-led programs in the Town, including the award-winning Repair Cafe Bassendean, which has thrived since 2018, and Share Shed Bassendean, established in 2021. She also established local Town Teams like the Old Perth Road Collective. During her tenure as an Elected Member, Renée advanced the principles of energy efficiency, sustainable development, and waste minimisation, and maintained a social media presence to keep the community informed. Her influence modernised and progressed the local government.

Renée McLennan's tireless efforts to communicate effectively on various issues have enhanced the community's understanding of Local Government functions, elevating the sector's value locally and beyond. She exemplified her values by breaking traditional role barriers as a new mother and Elected Member, showing that anyone can serve their community. The Town congratulates Renée on this significant achievement.

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