| The Shire of Boyup Brook celebrated Australia Day with the presentation of the 2026 Community Awards at the annual Australia Day Breakfast, recognising the outstanding contributions of local residents. Awards were presented by Shire President Helen O'Connell and Deputy Shire President Darren King, with a short, sharp shower arriving just as the final awards were announced keeping everyone on their toes and wrapping up the presentations in true local style. This year’s recipients were David Cowan - Sports Person of the Year, David Fortune - Kevin Henderson Memorial Award and Mary-Anne Inglis - Citizen of the Year, each acknowledged for their dedication, leadership and lasting impact on the community, and for exemplifying the spirit of service, commitment and pride that makes Boyup Brook a strong and connected place to live. The Shire thanks the Boyup Brook RSL for raising the flags, Pastor Craig Rodger for the Prayer for Australia, the Shire Straits (Donna and Jason) for entertainment, MC Joanna Hales-Pearce, all Shire Councillors and staff, and most of all the community for supporting the celebration. |
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David Cowan
Sports Person of the Year
David Cowan was named Sports Person of the Year in recognition of his exceptional leadership, dedication and contribution to Australian Rules Football in Boyup Brook and the Lower South West. As Captain of the Boyup Brook Football Club from 2023 to 2025, David led with professionalism and sportsmanship, culminating in the club’s 2024 Lower South West Football League Premiership, where he was awarded Best on Ground. A multiple league and club award winner, David is equally respected for his mentorship of younger players and his commitment to building a positive, inclusive club culture. His achievements have brought pride to the club and highlighted the high standard of sporting talent within the Shire.
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David Fortune
Kevin Henderson Memorial Award
David Fortune received the Kevin Henderson Memorial Award for his outstanding service and leadership within the Boyup Brook volunteer bushfire brigades over more than a decade. Known for his proactive, district-wide approach to fire mitigation, David has
worked closely with the Shire and multiple agencies to strengthen fire preparedness, improve communications, secure critical resources and enhance volunteer training. Even after stepping down from leadership roles, he continues to mentor brigade leaders and support succession planning, fostering a strong, capable and confident volunteer base. David’s dedication has significantly improved community safety, resilience and trust across the Shire.
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Mary-Anne Inglis
Citizen of the Year
Mary-Anne Inglis was named Citizen of the Year in recognition of her long-standing and wide-ranging contribution to the Boyup Brook community across health, education, sport and governance. A founding member of CoMHAT, Mary-Anne has played a key role in supporting local health and wellbeing initiatives, while her governance experience includes board roles with the Boyup Brook Co-operative and District High School, and ongoing involvement with the school P&C. With more than two decades of volunteer service across hockey, football, swimming and sport and recreation, Mary-Anne is known for her integrity,
generosity and quiet leadership. Her dedication has strengthened community connections and inspired countless others to get involved.
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From left to right:
Ralph Knapp for Betty Knapp (Posthumous, Kevin Henderson Memorial Award, nominee), David Cowan (Sports Person of the Year, winner), Tara Reid (Citizen of the Year, nominee), Mary-Anne Inglis (Citizen of the Year, winner), David Fortune (Kevin Henderson Memorial Award, winner), John Walsh (Citizen of the Year, nominee), Sharon Nield (Kevin Henderson Memorial Award, nominee), David Ryan (Kevin Henderson Memorial Award, nominee)
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