Australia Day recognition for Katherine Walker’s life of service

Brookton’s Katherine Walker will receive the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day in recognition of her service to youth and to the community. Mrs Walker, a former teacher at Brookton Senior High School, has been an active member of the Brookton Community for more than 40 years. “The recipients have had a significant impact at the local, national and international level and are, quite simply, inspiring,” the Governor-General David Hurley said. “They go above and beyond, are from all over the country, and contribute every day in every way imaginable. These are the people who see us through good times and bad. They’re the first to show up and the last to leave.” Mrs Walker became a unit leader of the Brookton Brownies in 1978. Eleven years later she became the unit leader for the Brookton Guide Unit, and since 2006 Mrs Walker has led the Brookton Bandicoot Guides. A life member of the organisation, Mrs Walker has served multiple roles within Girl Guides WA, having been a member of the executive committee, State council and administrative body. Between 2006 and 2011, Mrs Walker was the Girl Guides WA assistant State commissioner. “They’re almost always humble to a fault,” the Governor-General said. “But I urge recipients for today, to put aside that humility — it’s important they know how much they are valued.” The Shire of Brookton recognised Mrs Walker’s outstanding contribution to the community in 2013, naming her the citizen of the year. She was also awarded the community service award in 2004 and has received multiple awards for service during her longstanding involvement with Girl Guides WA. Mrs Walker is also a member of the Brookton Choral Society, where she is wardrobe mistress, and the Brookton St John Ambulance.