Stalwarts from the Shires of Dumbleyung and Katanning earn honours at the 2026 WA Local Government Awards

Two long-serving shire stalwarts have won prestigious honours at the 2026 WA Local Government Awards. Gavin Treasure, the outgoing chief executive of the Shire of Dumbleyung, received an eminent service award while David Blurton, executive manager of corporate services at the Shire of Katanning, earned a merit award. Mr Treasure is about to retire and earned a welcome send-off when he collected his award at the gala night held at the WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth on June 12. He was one of eight recipients and was delighted. “I’ve spent the last 44 years working in senior local government roles and it was lovely that the councillors from the Shire of Dumbleyung nominated me and for me to be recognised in this way,” he said. “I am happy, grateful, proud and humbled. “The councillors did it quietly and the first I knew about it was when WALGA wrote to me.” He said he had enjoyed his time with the Shire of Dumbleyung, where he worked for five years. “It’s a nice way to be sent off,” he said. “I have enjoyed my time with the team and the councillors at Dumbleyung, it has been a great five years. “We have done a lot, had a lot of success and brought a lot of money and investment into the shire.” Mr Treasure said he has had just five jobs in his long career, starting at the Mid West Ports Authority in Geraldton and including time as chief executive of the Mid West Development Commission. Mr Blurton’s local government career has lasted 26 years so far and he also enjoyed his time on the podium. “You don’t set out to be recognised like this but it’s great when your colleagues put you forward,” he said. “It was a super event, and it was nice to catch up with people I hadn’t seen for many years.” His time with local councils included spells with Collie, Harvey, Plantagenet, Narembeen and Rockingham. He left Rockingham for Katanning in the hope of making more of an impact in a smaller organisation. “I always enjoyed working in the regions because there is a broad range of issues,” he said. “You can get pigeon-holed in a large organisation.” He said the highlight of his Katanning career would be when the early childhood centre finally opens its doors at the end of September. Six local governments, including the City of Albany, were given RoadWise recognised awards for their ongoing commitment to improving road safety.