Hon Pamela Beggs, Hon Cheryl Edwardes AO and Mr Michael Norman have been awarded the City of Joondalup’s highest civic honour for their outstanding contributions to the local community.
At a Special Meeting of Council held earlier this evening, the trio was formally named Honorary Freemen of the City, joining Brian Cooper OAM and William Marwick OAM and the late Margaret Cockman OAM (1931-2023) and late Nick Trandos OAM (1934-2025).
Pamela (Pam) Beggs was elected to State Parliament as the Member for Whitford in 1983, a seat she held for 10 years. She and Kay Hallahan were the first women to serve as Ministers in a Western Australian Labor Government. As Minister for Transport, she rode the first train from Perth to Joondalup in 1992, marking the opening of the northern corridor train line extension. As President of Whitford Senior Citizens’ Club, Pam continues to advocate for older residents within the City.
Michael (Mike) Norman served three four-year terms as a Councillor for the South-West Ward at the City of Joondalup, including a term as Deputy Mayor. He played a key role in increasing the City’s waste diversion rates and campaigned extensively to have Caltrop declared as a pest plant. A passionate environmentalist, Mike has been an active member of the Joondalup Community Coast Care Forum for many years, a voluntary group where members dedicate their time to rehabilitating coastal dunes.
Cheryl Edwardes was the State Member for Kingsley from 1989, and a Cabinet Minister (1993-2001) until her retirement from politics in 2005. She held a number of senior frontbench portfolios and was the first woman in Western Australia to be appointed Attorney-General. As Environment Minister, she presided over the opening of the Bibbulmun Track in September 1998. Cheryl was awarded an Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 2016 for “significant services to the people and Parliament of Western Australia.” She has been active in the mining and not for profit sectors over the past two decades.
Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said there could be no more deserving recipients of the City’s highest honour.
“These individuals represent the best of service, dedication, and community spirit. Their contributions have helped shape Joondalup in countless ways, and it’s our privilege to recognise them as Honorary Freemen of the City,” he said.
“This title is reserved for those who have offered exceptional service to the City and its people. It represents our enduring respect, gratitude, and admiration.
“Joondalup would not be the City it is today without the tireless efforts of Pamela, Mike, and Cheryl. Each has played a vital role in the Joondalup story.
“Congratulations to our newest Freemen - and to their proud families and friends - on this outstanding honour.”
Hon Pamela Beggs – pioneer, community advocate
Mrs Beggs, a former Cabinet Minister, was elected to Parliament as the Member for Whitford in 1983, a seat she held for 10 years.
After one term on the backbench, Mrs Beggs made history as one of the first two women appointed to Cabinet in a Western Australian Labor Government, alongside Kay Hallahan. Between 1986 and 1993, Mrs Beggs held key ministerial portfolios, including:
- Minister for Tourism, Racing and Gaming, and Housing
- Minister for Housing and Planning
- Minister for Transport, Racing and Gaming, and Tourism.
A resident of the Wanneroo and Joondalup region since the 1970s, Mrs Beggs chose to remain in the community following her time in Parliament.
She ran a small business in the heart of her former electorate and continues to advocate passionately for older residents as President of the Whitford Senior Citizens’ Club.
Mr Mike Norman – champion of the coast and community
Elected to the City of Joondalup Council in 2007, Mr. Norman represented the South West Ward for three consecutive terms, including Deputy Mayor.
A professional engineer and long-time Sorrento resident, he championed coastal care, public health, and sustainable urban planning.
Mr Norman’s environmental leadership was widely recognised through his work with the Joondalup Community Coast Care Forum and as Chair of the Conservation Advisory Committee, helping the City achieve finalist status in national awards, including the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Awards.
His advocacy led to landmark initiatives such as:
- campaigning for higher waste diversion targets
- spearheading the declaration of Caltrop as a pest plant to protect local ecosystems
- leading coastal rehabilitation efforts with thousands of volunteer hours and community grants.
In an article published by the Conservation Council of WA in 2023, Mr Norman was asked what motivated his efforts.
“There’s a gap between what should be done and what is actually being done – that’s my motivation. Getting involved at a local level is a window into those much bigger issues. By understanding what’s going on in your own back yard, you can begin to understand the big picture issues that are happening right across the world.”
Mr Norman continues to inspire through his roles with numerous Friends groups and advisory bodies, reflecting his deep and enduring commitment to conservation and civic wellbeing.
Hon Cheryl Edwardes AO – leader, advocate and reformer
Hon Cheryl Edwardes AO served as the Member for Kingsley from 1989 until her retirement from politics in 2005, holding multiple senior roles.
- Attorney General from 1993 to 1995
- Family and Services Minister from 1995 to 1997
- Environment Minister from 1997 to 2001.
Her tenure was marked by progressive reform, community engagement, and a strong focus on justice, governance and regional development.
Mrs Edwardes was awarded an Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 2016 for “significant services to the people and Parliament of Western Australia.” She was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2025 Australia Day Honours for distinguished service to the law and social justice, to resource management and environmental sustainability, to business, and the community.
She has remained active in the mining and not for profit sectors over the past two decades and has provided community legal assistance for Grandcarers WA Inc, a City-based registered charity offering support services to grandparents who are raising grandchildren on a full-time basis.
She is also an ambassador for Angel Hands, a charity supporting people recover from extreme trauma. Her legacy stands as a testament to integrity, leadership and the enduring value of public service.