Published on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 at 8:30:02 AM
The Shire of Ravensthorpe is pleased to announce that Shire President Cr Rachel Gibson has been awarded the prestigious WALGA Jacqui Dodd Scholarship, recognising her commitment to professional development, leadership and service in Local Government.
The scholarship was announced in conjunction with the 2026 Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) Local Government Convention, held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 16 - 18 September 2026.
The Jacqui Dodd Scholarship provides recipients with support to undertake the Diploma of Local Government – Elected Member, the highest qualification available to elected members through WALGA Training.
Cr Gibson is one of a small number of elected members selected for the scholarship, providing an opportunity to further develop her knowledge and skills across areas including strategic decision-making, policy development, governance, asset management, planning, conflict management and community leadership.
Cr Gibson said she was honoured to receive the scholarship and looked forward to applying the knowledge gained through the Diploma to her role as Shire President.
“It is an honour to receive the Jacqui Dodd Scholarship and to have the opportunity to continue developing my knowledge and skills as an elected member,” Cr Gibson said.
“Local Government has an incredibly important role in regional communities. We make decisions that affect the services people use every day, the infrastructure our communities rely upon and the long-term direction of our district.
“Continued professional development supports strong governance and informed decision-making."
Cr Gibson currently represents the Shire as Shire President and is also the Shire's representative on the WALGA Great Southern Country Zone, providing an important connection between Ravensthorpe and the broader Local Government sector.
The Jacqui Dodd Scholarship has been offered by WALGA Training since 2021 and was established in recognition of Jacqui Dodd's longstanding contribution to training and professional development within the Western Australian Local Government sector.
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