Karratha community celebrate ‘selfless’ contributor John Lally with honorary freeman title

A “selfless” contributor to the Karratha community has been recognised for 30 years of dedicated service to the Pilbara town.

John Lally, 81, has been named Honorary Freeman by the City of Karratha for his contribution to local government and the wider Pilbara region following an extensive list of positions and initiatives.

Advocating for a youth shed, the now popular leisureplex and the city revitalisation project to but name a few initiatives, Mr Lally told the Pilbara News he was surprised to be presented with the award.

“Having lived 30 years in Dampier, the City has been a large part of my life,” he said.

“It was totally unexpected. It didn’t cross my mind at any stage.”

“The mayor rang me and it was a real shock,” Mr Lally said.

The third person to be recognised with the gong, Mr Lally said “it was an absolute honour” to be presented with the award in front of local government officials.

Becoming an active community member after sailing into Dampier in 1987, Mr Lally worked for the City during a 10-year tenure as a councillor from 2007.

His dedication to the younger generation led Mr Lally to start up a Dampier camp school focused on outdoor sports recreation — which his contribution extended for 20 years.

A passion for marine life led Mr Lally to ignite a whale research centre, which has become a statewide initiative while also starting a navel cadet unit.

Mr Lally, now retired, also acted as the CEO of the Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Commodore of the Hampton Harbour Boat and Sailing Club during his time in the City.

Now residing in Mandurah, Mr Lally continues to contribute to the town as Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia (Pilbara) Committee.

Addressing the public and fellow councillors on March 27, Deputy Mayor Kelly Nunn announced the privilege it was to bestow the award on Mr Lally.

“Mr Lally was a stalwart of our community who dedicated years to improving services on offer for youth and businesses in our City,” Cr Nunn said.

“He was instrumental in bringing the Pilbara chambers of commerce together into a regional group and was the driving force behind establishing the New Pilbara Conference in 2016 to promote emerging investment opportunities in the region.”

Cr Nunn emphasised the positive impact Mr Lally has had and continues to have on the City.

“During his time in Karratha, Mr Lally was integral to the town’s development and a long-time advocate for our region,” Cr Nunn said.