Former Rockingham mayor Barry Sammels bestowed title of Freeman of the City of Rockingham

Former long-time mayor Barry Sammels has been bestowed a prestigious title by the City of Rockingham.

Council voted in August to make Mr Sammels a Freeman of the City, recognising his role as councillor, deputy mayor and 18 years as mayor.

He was first elected to council in 1997 and stepped down as mayor in 2021.

A statement by the city said Mr Sammels served as chair of the then South West Group and the Australian Coastal Councils for a decade, was a local businessman for more than 30 years, a life member of Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Rockingham Trade Centre Association.

He also received the Paul Harris Fellow award from Rotary International and the Western Australian Local Government Association’s Long and Loyal Service award.

Mayor Deb Hamblin said Mr Sammels had made an outstanding contribution to the community over many years.

“Barry worked on behalf of the people of the City of Rockingham for more than 25 years, helping steer the local government through a period of massive growth as our population soared from fewer than 60,000 residents to more than 140,000,” she said.

“His tireless efforts representing our city built strong connections with every level of government and other major public and private sector stakeholders, and he was a staunch supporter of many community organisations and causes.”

“I’m delighted that council has chosen to honour him with this well-deserved recognition.”

Only six other people have received the title of Freeman, with former mayor Laurie Smith the only other living Freeman of the city.

Mr Sammels thanked the mayor, councillors and city for the “honour and the privilege” of the title.

“I remember in my time as mayor I would always pay tribute to the past and present Freemen as I believed they were some of our most treasured people,” he said.

“I never thought I would ever be in the position to join such distinguished company.”