Murray Matthews has taken out the WA Rangers Association 2009 Ranger of the Year Award, presented at a recent formal dinner in Geraldton. Murray works as a ranger on a shared service basis for both Moora Shire and the neighbouring Shire of Dalwallinu in the northern wheatbelt region of Western Australian.
The WA Ranger of the Year is awarded to the person who is recognised as carrying out professionalism in the pursuit of excellence in their duties in the workplace.
Rangers service the needs of their communities by providing advice on urban animal management and other areas of legislation relating to Local Government operations. They are also committed to providing assistance to the WA police and community groups in combating crime, the fear of crime and antisocial behaviour.
While carrying out their duties, rangers also provide information in the care, control and welfare of animals, and focus on environmental and conservation issues.
Murray Matthews said he is delighted to be honoured with the award.
“I have been nominated several times over the years for special commendation awards but never for Ranger of the Year,” he said. “Sometimes it is not always easy to please everyone in the type of work I do. It can make me unpopular in the community, but there are regulations and bylaws that must be adhered to.”
Shire of Moora CEO Lynnette O’Reilly said Murray is a great contributor to the Shire and the community.
“We are very fortunate to have him on staff,” she said. “He is an exceptional character with many years of ranger experience, which is of benefit to Council and the community.
“As a newcomer to Moora four years ago, he has certainly contributed to the community in many ways through his work as Ranger and his volunteer work with St John ambulance, the Bushfire Brigade and Lions.”
Shire of Dalwallinu Community Services Manager Peter Zenni said he can’t commend the service Murray provides the community highly enough.
“Our Shire is very happy to have his services,” he said. “He deals with the job efficiently and has great people skills and knowledge about all the issues he has to deal with.
“His approach to people in the community is very caring, especially when dealing with some of the sensitive issues he has to work with – a genuine great person to know.”
