Mandurah's newest local legend awarded

Mandurah’s newest Local Legend Linda Thorpe has been awarded for her dedication to supporting her community and helping to make Mandurah a great place to live.

Through her varied volunteer work, Linda helps a number of local groups to bring great projects to the community and support others.

Linda’s community involvement includes secretary roles for the Port Mandurah Residents Association and the Mandurah branch of Save the Children, and she is co-founder of the Mandurah Environment and Heritage Group.

She has also provided website support for several local groups including Peel Preservation Group and the Soroptimist Club of Mandurah, has previously volunteered at Lifeline, Adult Migrant Education Service (AMES) and Community Link And Network (CLAN), and is about to take on a role with the Peel Multicultural Association.

Mayor Rhys Williams said Linda displayed true community spirit in supporting local groups to achieve their goals for the betterment of the community.

“Linda is a very deserving recipient of the Local Legend award. She goes about her work in a humble way, and her passion and dedication to supporting many causes in Mandurah is to be admired,” he said.

“Thank you Linda for the significant work you do behind the scenes in making Mandurah a wonderful place to live.”

Up until recently, Linda and husband Martin Robinson also hosted the Rotary Wishing Well outside their home in the Mandurah canals, which raises close to $30,000 a year for local charities and community groups. This year, the couple moved from Port Mandurah to Dawesville, meaning Linda will soon be passing the baton on her secretary position with the residents association and her wishing well responsibilities.

She said one of the biggest recent achievements of the Port Mandurah Residents Association was the installation of a speed camera in the canals to improve safety and help protect the dolphins.

Linda’s work with the Mandurah Environment and Heritage Group includes encouraging families to appreciate nature and take responsibility for the environment, which is promoted through educational activities at festivals and events, and a special adventure journal for kids.

Formerly a counsellor and group therapist, Linda was instrumental in bringing a 6000-signature petition to Council in 2009 regarding a development application for Sutton Farm.

She said she enjoys her busy and varied workload and the job satisfaction her many roles bring.

“I like to keep busy, I love meeting lovely giving people along the way and working as part of a team,” she said.

If you know of someone who deserves to be a Local Legend please contact the City.