Chris Mitchell named Broome senior citizen of the year for dedication to local government, volunteer work

Just four months shy of completing 30 years on the Broome council, Chris Mitchell has been named the town’s senior citizen of the year. Mr Mitchell was handed the award for his lifetime of dedication to the town, which includes 30 years of service on the Shire of Broome council and years of volunteering work at the Broome Native Animal Rescue organisation, Mens Shed and Lions Club. He has held various positions within the Kimberley Regional Zone group and WA Local Government Association, including as a State representative on a number of Emergency Management Committees. Mr Mitchell said the award came as a surprise, but he was humbled to receive it. “I delivered the welcome speech then walked back to tend to the sausages on the Lions Club barbie,” he said. “Then I heard my name read out again, so I was pretty shocked it was for an award.” Vocal on issues impacting the Kimberley, Mr Mitchell has been at the forefront of calls for a clear plan out of COVID lock downs and border closures for the Kimberley, and integral in the development of the Kimberley banned drinkers register. But it’s his work with the Broome Men’s Shed he was most proud of, saying he hoped to see the Shed grow in coming years and support a wide variety of local men. “I think it’s our goal to attract younger guys in the future — we want to start workshops teaching classic skills that have perhaps been lost in the digital age,” he said. “Mental health has also become such an issue for men across the North West, so we really want to make a space where everyone can come together and talk about what’s going on in their life.” Shire of Broome deputy president Desiree Male said the event and awards were about celebrating what is great about the country. “It’s a day to reflect on what it means to be Australian, whether it is by birth or by choice, what we’ve achieved, and what we can be proud of in our great nation, our home,” she said. “The community citizen of the year awards recognise the individuals making outstanding contributions to our community through their inspiring achievements and dedicated commitment.” “They recognise people with positive Australian characteristics and who foster community pride.” Ms Male said there were a number of strong contenders for each award category and congratulated each winner and nominee.