Shire of Wagin recognises BlazeAid, Jane Matera and Barbara Pugh for their exceptional community contributions

Exceptional residents were acknowledged and five new Australian citizens officially welcomed to the community at the Wagin Australia Day breakfast last week. The Shire of Wagin held its annual breakfast on January 26 at Wetlands Park, followed by a citizenship ceremony and community awards. Recognising extraordinary recovery efforts after the January 2025 Wedgecarrup-West Arthur bushfire, BlazeAid received the community group of the year award. The volunteer-based organisation established a base at the Wagin showgrounds in the weeks after the 11,000ha fire, and multiple volunteers travelled to the Wheatbelt town and restored 51km of fencing to farmers affected by the blaze. BlazeAid formed in 2009 after the Black Saturday bushfires, and has dedicated 17 years to helping rural families and people after natural disasters. Shire of Wagin president Phil Blight said the group’s contribution greatly assisted recovery efforts in the community and enabled farmers to recover from the fire. “The contribution of BlazeAid goes well beyond the fencing reconstructed,” Cr Blight said. “BlazeAid’s volunteers worked alongside our community, shared stories, and supported our farmers in that difficult time. “We were pleased that our shire was able to host BlazeAid, and on behalf of our shire I wish to extend our thanks and recogniser BlazeAid and its volunteers.” Jane Matera accepted the community citizen of the year award, recognising her long-term dedication to the Wagin community by volunteering across multiple community-led projects and consistently advocating for Aboriginal culture within the community. Ms Matera has created Aboriginal education initiatives which have continued to empower others through cultural activities, connection and development. She has also volunteered for Wagin’s Local Care and Share Opportunity Shop for more than three decades. The senior citizen of the year award was handed to Barbara Pugh, who has shown exceptional leadership and care as the head of the Chair Exercise group for nearly 30 years. She has proved to be a guiding hand for participants to engage safely and be supported in physical and mental wellbeing. Ms Pugh has also been involved with the Wagin Craft Group, where she was inspired and taught members to make countless comfort items for people in need. She has also contributed to the Wagin Historical Village and the Waratah Lodge Aged Care board. After a cooked breakfast, Wagin’s citizenship ceremony welcomed five new Australians: Mark and Kaden Riodeque, Angel and Anna Antony, and Roshna George. Cr Blight gave a massive thankyou to the volunteers. “Thank you to everyone who attended, and in particular the volunteers from Lions who organised the food, and Rotary who served on the day,” he said. “The day wouldn’t be achievable without our volunteers and Auspire — Australia Day Council WA.”