Liz Guidera, the deputy president of the Shire of Katanning, has been awarded life membership by the Western Australia Local Government Association (WALGA) during the association’s 2025 awards ceremony held on July 19. This recognition highlights her significant contributions to local governance and community development, marking her as a pioneering figure in the Great Southern region.
A Celebrated Legacy in Local Governance
Guidera was one of two leaders honored at the 24th annual WALGA awards night, which took place at the WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth. The event celebrated the achievements of 40 elected members and officers who have made remarkable contributions to their communities.
Expressing her gratitude, Guidera described the awards night as “fabulous” and expressed her feelings of being “humbled and honoured” to receive the accolade. In her acceptance speech, she referenced a powerful quote from Theodore Roosevelt, emphasizing the importance of courage and perseverance: “It is not the critic who counts — the credit belongs to the woman who is actually in the arena… who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes up short again and again.”
Having joined the council in 1994, Guidera made history as the first female president of the Shire of Katanning, serving from 2001 to 2003 and again from 2015 to 2023. Her trailblazing role set a precedent for future female leaders, including Kristy D’Aprile, the second woman to hold the position.
Advocacy and Community Impact
Throughout her extensive career, Guidera has focused on various critical areas, including education, health, and culturally inclusive services. She has been a strong advocate for the Early Childhood Hub, a significant community initiative aimed at unifying early learning, family services, and child health under one roof. This project exemplifies her commitment to addressing the needs of families within her community.
As a mentor to many community leaders, Guidera has dedicated her life to service and advocacy. Kristy D’Aprile, the current Shire president, praised Guidera as a fierce advocate for both Katanning and the broader Great Southern region. “Her recognition as a WALGA life member is incredibly deserved. Congratulations, Liz. Your legacy is already long and lasting,” D’Aprile stated.
Guidera’s recent appointment as chair of Regional Development Australia Great Southern positions her to influence important projects in the region’s future. She expressed enthusiasm for her new role, stating she looks forward to working on initiatives that will benefit the community.
With a career spanning over three decades, Liz Guidera’s recognition as a life member of WALGA not only honors her past achievements but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of leaders in local government.
