The City of Joondalup has formally inducted Carmel Ward as a Freeman of the City, the highest honour the City can bestow, recognising her exceptional and sustained contribution to the community over more than two decades.
A long time Duncraig resident, Ms Ward has made an extraordinary impact across youth mentoring, community leadership, environmental stewardship and volunteer service.
Her work has touched individuals, families and organisations across the City, and she is widely regarded as one of the community’s most dedicated and compassionate contributors.
For nearly 13 years, Ms Ward has been a trusted mentor at Greenwood College, initially through EdConnect Australia and more recently through the Lions Club.
She is known for her calm, patient approach and her ability to build meaningful connections with young people, particularly those experiencing trauma or disengagement, and her dedication earned her EdConnect’s WA Mentor Volunteer of the Year Award in 2021.
Ms Ward has also been a central figure in the Duncraig Lions Club for 15 years, serving as President, Secretary, Membership and Social Chair, Youth of the Year Coordinator, Lions Club Internal Foundation Coordinator and organiser of scholarship and book award programs.
Her service extends across the Lions District, where she has served as Global Service Team District Coordinator since 2018 and received numerous honours, including the Melvin Jones Fellowship 2 Star Progressive Award, the Arthur & Lorna Dodd Award, the ALF Ian Stockdale Award and the International Certificate of Service.
Her civic leadership also includes significant contributions to the Marmion, Sorrento, Duncraig Progress and Ratepayers Association, where she has served on the Management Committee since 2021 and currently holds the roles of Treasurer and Membership Officer.
She is also a founding member of the Friends of Duncraig Library Bushland and has long contributed to local environmental protection, community events and neighbourhood advocacy.
Her service has been acknowledged through multiple awards, including City of Joondalup Senior Citizen of the Year (2019) and the Fremantle Lions Club Community Service Award (2023).
Joondalup Mayor Daniel Kingston said Ms Ward’s induction reflects the profound and lasting influence of her service.
“Carmel Ward represents the very best of community service with her generosity, leadership and unwavering commitment to helping others having enriched our City in ways that are both significant and enduring,” Mayor Kingston said.
“Her work spans generations, from mentoring young people to supporting seniors, strengthening community groups and protecting local bushland.
“Carmel’s legacy is one of compassion, integrity and unwavering dedication to others, and her work has strengthened our community in countless ways.
“Carmel’s contribution is extraordinary, with an influence that will continue to be felt for many years to come, and we are honoured to recognise her as a Freeman of the City of Joondalup.”
The Freeman of the City title is awarded only in exceptional circumstances and recognises individuals whose service has had a significant and enduring impact on the community.
Carmel Ward joins a distinguished group of Freemen, including Margaret Jane Cockman OAM CStJ, William Harold Marwick, Nicolas Trandos OAM JP, Brian Cooper OAM, Michael Norman, Hon. Pamela Beggs and Hon. Cheryl Edwardes AO.