Source: Government of Western Australia
A 99-year-old war veteran is among six community members to be formally recognised as one of six Holders of the Keys to the City of Wanneroo.
Jack Le Cras OAM will be honoured alongside Marcia Janette Dinnie, Julie Otremba OAM, Derek Young, Jon Kelly and Janine Wood.
The honour recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Wanneroo community.
Previously known as Honorary Freemen of the City, the Council brought in the new honorific title in 2024. Indigenous leader Oriel Green was the inaugural recipient.
Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said the six recipients embodied the dedication and community spirit that have helped shape the City of Wanneroo.
“Each of these remarkable individuals has given countless hours, energy and passion to our community,” she said.
“Their contributions have helped make the City that we know today, and it is a privilege to recognise their achievements by conferring them with the title as Holders of the Keys to the City.”
Among the six recipients, Jack is being recognised for decades of military and civic service that have helped shape the City’s strong culture of remembrance.
As the former President of the Wanneroo RSL Sub-Branch, he has been a steadfast advocate for veterans’ welfare, mental health and community support. His leadership has strengthened local Anzac and Remembrance Day commemorations.
Present at the Japanese surrender in WWII, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to veterans and the community. He has also been involved with Lions Club International for almost 50 years.
Jack said: “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would join Wanneroo greats such as Margaret Cockman, Bill Marwick and Nick Trandos. The news, arriving on Christmas Eve (2025), made for a great Christmas present to share with my family.”
Also recognised as Holders of the Keys to the City are:
Janine Wood
Co-founder of No Limits Perth, Janine has built a vital lifeline for vulnerable people across Perth. The organisation provides food, essentials and support to people experiencing homelessness, escaping domestic violence or facing hardship. Under
her leadership, No Limits Perth has grown from a grassroots initiative into a dynamic organisation supported by more than 150 volunteers. Janine’s mission is simple but powerful: To give everyone a second chance, without judgement, at no cost and expecting nothing in return. She is the current City of Wanneroo Community Citizen of the Year.
Janine said: “This honour is deeply humbling. It represents not just my journey, but the love, resilience, and unwavering support of my family, volunteers, and community. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of something bigger than myself, where kindness and purpose continue to shape the lives of others.”
Julie Otremba OAM
Julie has served the Yanchep and Two Rocks community tirelessly for more than three decades, contributing across a wide range of local organisations. She has held key roles with the Yanchep Community Bus Committee, which provides essential free transport for seniors and has dedicated more than 25 years to the Yanchep Two Rocks Recreation Association. Julie has also been an active advocate through the Two Rocks Yanchep Residents’ Association, volunteered with the Yanchep Two Rocks Home Support Group, and supported emergency responses through the Salvation Army Emergency Services. Her long-standing efforts to reduce the prevalence of alcohol and drugs in the area have further strengthened community wellbeing. In recognition of her service, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2008.
Julie said: “Being a Holder of the Keys is such a great honour for myself and family who have lived and served in our community for nearly 40 years – a place we love to call home.”
Marcia Janette Dinnie
For more than 25 years, Marcia has led the Wanneroo Senior Citizens Club, enhancing social connection, wellbeing and resilience for local seniors. Her leadership ensured vital services continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She is widely respected for her advocacy and dedication and is a past recipient of the City of Wanneroo Australia Day Senior Award.
Marcia said: “Thirty-six years ago, I moved with my family from Sydney to Wanneroo. Since then, I have worked for the benefit of Wanneroo and its residents. When I was given word of the award, I felt it unexpected and humbling. I am so very proud. Thank you, Wanneroo.”
Derek Young
Derek coordinates the Two Rocks Youth in Emergency Services Cadet program, fostering leadership and preparedness among young people and assists as an instructor with the cadet program at Gingin District High School. He is a long-serving member of the Two Rocks Bush Fire Brigade where he serves as Training Officer and Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer. He also volunteers as a radio operator with Two Rocks Marine Rescue. He contributes to youth rehabilitation through training Emergency Services Cadets at Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre. Derek is a past winner of the City of Wanneroo Australia Day Award and a Life
Member of Scouts WA.
Derek: “It is a great honour to be awarded the Holder of the Keys. Moira and I are just very happy to be able to support and assist our community in any way we can.”
Jon Kelly
Jon was elected Mayor of the City of Wanneroo following a special election in December 1999. At 32, he was the youngest elected Mayor in Western Australia at the time.
Raised in Girrawheen, Jon built strong community connections through longstanding involvement in local sporting and community organisations, which underpinned his election and ongoing support.
He served 12 years as Mayor, including two re-elections, first leading the new City in its establishment and then through a period of significant growth and change. Jon was a strong advocate for community involvement in local government and led the development and implementation of the City’s first Community Consultation and Engagement Policy.
Beyond local government, Jon has had a diverse career across small business, union leadership, and military service.
Jon said: “I consider it a great honour and privilege to have partnered with the people of the City of Wanneroo in shaping a rapidly growing and evolving community.”
A ceremony to mark the conferral of the Keys to the City will take place on Saturday 9 May.