WAPPA proudly recognises and celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to educational leadership and community in Western Australia.
Through life Membership, Service Awards, and other honours, we acknowledge the impact of those who have supported, led, and inspired the work of the Association over many years.
This page brings together those who have shaped WAPPA’s history- and whose legacies continue to influence the future of education in our state.
🥇Life Members List
WAPPA Life Members represent the highest honour awarded by the Association. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to education in Western Australia over many years.
Their names stand as a testament to a legacy of excellence, and we proudly recognise their enduring impact.
1970s
- Adelaide Thackrah Pre 1976
- Norm Elliott Pre 1976
- Ray Kagi Pre 1976
- Richard Filmer 1976
- Alan Wilson 1977
1980s
- Wally Gable 1981
- Bruce Blythe 1984
- John Roberts 1984
- Don Wignall 1985
- Barry Colvin 1987
- David Nockolds 1987
- Lloyd Wyss 1987
- Bill Gaynor 1988
1990s
- Murray Paddick 1990
- Brian Kelly 1991
- Graham Cowell 1991
- Murray Randall 1991
- Barry Jones 1992
- Keith Davies 1992
- David Farquhar 1995
- Mike Berson 1995
- Ken Hedley 1996
- Leigh Steedman 1996
- Tony Misich 1999
2000s
- Jean Rice 2001
- Rudy Rybarczyk 2003
- Alan Beard 2005
- Bob King 2006
- Colin Pettit 2008
2010s
- Spencer McKenna 2012
- Rosemary Simpson 2013
- Stephen Yates 2015
- Tom Campbell 2016
- Stephen Breen 2017
- Doug Booth 2018
- Keryl Caird 2018
- Philippa Berkhout 2019
2020s
- Terry Coumbe 2021
- Ian Anderson 2022
- Dean Finlay 2023
🥈Deputy Principals Association Life Members
Recognised for their earlies service through the Deputy Principals Association, these individuals continue to be honoured by WAPPA for their long-standing dedication to educational leadership.
- Alec Bergl
- Peter Farrell
- Nennie Harken
- Steven Haydock
- Dianne Hore
- Don Hore
- John Lawton
- Jean Lyneham
- Don Murfitt
- Phil Ridden
🥉Service Award Recipients
The WAPPA Service Award celebrates those who have provided exceptional support to the Association, even without holding formal membership status.
- 2002 John (Pat) Hooper
- 2003 Keith Rinaldi
- 2004 Norm Majors (Wooldridges A & M)
- 2005 Joan Weston
- 2005 John Mistilis
- 2006 Kevin Brennan
- 2006 Jean Rice
- 2006 Mike Berson
- 2007 Spencer McKenna
- 2008 WAPPA Support Line (team)
- 2009 Bob Somerville
- 2010 Ian Anderson
- 2011 Rosemary Simpson
- 2013 Marian Gard
- 2013 Terry Coumbe
- 2014 Jan Applin
- 2014 Tom Campbell
- 2014 David Watkins
- 2015 Jan Matthews
- 2016 Sandy Heldsinger
- 2016 Stephen Delfs
- 2017 Barbara Bromley
- 2018 Rudy Rybarczyk
- 2019 Steve Breen
- 2020 Lisa Criddle
- 2020 Niel Taylor
- 2021 Kristy Harrison
- 2022 Lorna Halliday
- 2022 Liesl Quince
- 2023 Geoff Smith
👏Honorary WAPPA members
Honorary Members are recognised for their significant contributions to WAPPA and its mission, despite not being formal members. Their support has played an important role in the growth of the Association.
Joan Weston
Recognised as an Honorary WAPPA Member for her enduring contributions to the Association.
📸Life Members’ Lunch Highlights
A look back at the moments of connection and celebration.
We thank all members and friends of WAPPA whose contributions have helped shape a stronger future for primary education in Western Australia.