Until recently, a car would have driven quietly along Fenton Place, Des Booth would be opening up his news agency for another day of serving the community and the Shire. Soon the flag he raised for more than 30 years will be flying proudly on the mast. Next, to roll up all the newspapers for the school bus drivers to deliver enroute to families on farms for their daily treat over their morning cuppa, a much-appreciated highlight to their day. With doors open, lights on, music playing, signs out Des is ready for another busy day.

A constant changing world, Des has had to content with the closing of schools, banks, shops and businesses within the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu. Confronting headlines such as 9/11 twin towers, Bali Bombing, Port Arthur Massacre, Death of Queen Elizabeth, American School Shootings, National Bushfires and Floods were displayed on the billboard out the front for all to view, which would have been distressing and unpleasant for Des and Rhonda to Display. But there were happy times when the headlines displayed gave elation and joy such as Royal Weddings, returning of the little Cleo back to her parents, rescuing of the cave boys in Thailand and Beaconsfield trapped miners and the Eagles winning the AFL premiership.

A former farmer of East Kondut, where the Booth family have farmed for generations, Des decided a sea change would be an opportunity to explore a different lifestyle for their children. The opportunity to purchase a news agency became available and a happy new life began in the main street of Wongan, which has given them and the residents of our Shire much enjoyment and happiness in our main street. The news agency has been a popular and happy meeting place for residents of our community for many years. A cheerful greeting from Des always makes everyone welcome, they enquire after family members, joke about the weather, sport and general happenings around town causing much laughter and happiness. He was open for 7 days a week, for over 30 years. People exited the shop with an all-round cheerful feeling, lifted spirits and a light-hearted attitude. This was evident during the COVID lockdown times when they were supportive and gave hope to members of the community.

Des often assisted a traveller chasing directions with a hand drawn map to set them on their merry way but will always add it's a good idea to visit the Museum, Visitors Centre and Christmas Rock Walk Trail before leaving our lovely town. Nothing was too much trouble for Des, whether it was setting up cake stalls, selling raffle tickets, placing collection bins for the needy and supporting local charities in many ways. They were always willing volunteers.

Des was the president and member of the former Camera Club of Wongan Hills. He was a keen photographer and entered many exhibitions and displays during his time with the group. A keen P&C member for many years, he never missed a school assembly and was often there to present and donate book awards and prizes. Both he and Rhonda has supported local sports particularly football and hockey and they also enjoyed tennis with their family.

Benjamin (Ben) moved to Wongan Hills back in 2017 to join his family as his dad had recently become our new police officer in town. He had stayed behind in Perth to complete high school. Although when he did join his family he quickly became part of our community. He began work with McIntosh as an apprentice mechanic. Ben became involved in our local Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service, joining on 18th July 2017.

Ben has had several roles within WHVFRS, including Apparatus (Equipment) Officer for 2020 & 2021. Apps Officer ensure all volunteers are prepared with appropriate equipment that is in good working order. Good organisational skills and a sound knowledge of equipment are a must for this role. Foreman in 2022 - Foreman works with the Captain in response to incidents. Responsible for several administrative duties and may specialise in structure fire, road crash rescue, bushfire or other types of incidents when required. Recently in 2023, Ben become Captain. As Captain he is responsible for operations and volunteers. This includes internal systems, compliance of policies, managing stakeholder relationships and most importantly, volunteer safety and mental health. A big responsibility, however, he does have a great crew behind him.

Training of firefighters is once a month for Wongan Hills VFRS, which as Captain, Foreman and Apps Officer, all take a part of running training, which means Ben has been involved in running the training for other officers over the last 4 years. After changing employment to be out of town, it limited his ability to attend call outs, however, he still managed to attend 7 out of the 25 incidents listed for the 22/23 financial year for Wongan Hills. Ben has completed 15 competencies - some have been repeated over the years with new courses, competencies introduced and upgraded too. Ben has been involved with many Community PR engagements, including, the Annual Santa Run, Reynoldson Reserve Festival & Harvest Festival. Ben also participated in Multi Agency (Emergency Services) Simex.

The Wongan Hills Apex Club is a very strong club within the local community and has been extremely busy over the last 12 months. The club has carried out over 490 hours of service in a twelve-month period. This averages out to 9.5 hours per week, and not all members reported their service hours. They may be a small club, but this doesn’t stop them from getting the job done as they call on past members, Life Members and Senior Actives to give them a hand. In true Apex tradition they are altruistic and don’t promote their achievements, however I think it is important that people hear about what they do, hence submitting this nomination.

So let me tell you a bit about what the Wongan Hills Apex Club has been up to in 2023. New Year’s Eve Mick and Melinda Godfrey cooked burgers at the Wongan Hills Hotel to kick start their fundraising campaign for the overseas work party to the Philippines.

Highlights of 2023

January
Australia Day Breakfast
March
Black Dog Ride Morning Tea
Catering for the Business Sundowner
April
BBQ at IGA & Mitre10
Easter Egg Hunt at the Museum
May
Run the bar at Festival of Small Halls
Apex Train at the Road Safety Day at The Station
June
Donations to Share the Dignity via Kanyanya
Donations to Women's Shelter via Busselton Apex Club
July
Helped with the Footy Gates at local games
August
Death by Cabaret Evening
Apex International Tree Planting Day
September
Catering at Piawanning Expo, Bike It To Ballidu Gravel and Memorial Service in Meckering
Change Over Dinner
Apex Train at Bike It To Ballidu Gravel
November
Organised Markets for Reynoldson Reserve Wildflower Festival & Apex Train
Assisted Progress Association with Christmas Lights in town
December
Apex Train at Cadoux Christmas Tree Event
Harvest Festival selling Beef & Gravy Rolls

The Cadoux Community Wellbeing Event received an amazing three nominations this year for Community Event of the Year Award 2024. On September 15th, a large crowd gathered in Cadoux to an evening of entertainment, knowledge and feasting, hosted by the Can-Doux Community Group.

With the venue decorated out beautifully, with festive lighting, amazing floral arrangements and lively music the stage was set for a fun night. Guest speakers gave informative addresses and account to the guests with amusing anecdotes during the evening. Keynote speakers, Fiona Palmer (Author), Amanda Walker (Well-being Advocate) and Kim Hughes (Former Aussie Cricket Captain) provided enjoyment for all. Georgie Sadler once again delighted all that were present with her wonderful singing and guitar playing. Jeff Brennan can always be relied on to entertain with his auctioneering skills and money raising talents. There were incredible donated items up for auction such as a signed Kookaburras Guernsey, Award Winning Xanadu Wines, Vouchers and miscellaneous items.

The proceeds of the events were to raise funds to support community projects in Cadoux, Wongan Hills and Ballidu. Three generous local men gave up their time to run the bar, and four young local girls did table waiting and washed dishes afterwards.

Many volunteers helped set up the venues with tables, chairs and audio equipment. A genuine community effort from Cadoux locals. The highlight of the evening was the delicious and amazing three course meal, that was prepared by Trish and Marlee, local Cadoux residents. This talented catering duo astounded the guests with their ability to provide beautiful and delicious food.

Elize and the event organised are to be congratulated and thanked for the continuing support of the Cadoux Community. The Can-Doux Community Group are worthy winners of the Wongan-Ballidu Community Event of the Year Award 2024.