Exmouth deputy gets Queen’s birthday honour

Exmouth’s deputy chief executive has been nominated for Queens Birthday Honours for his role in steadying the ship during the Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into the Shire in 2017.

Keith Woodward was awarded the honour for outstanding public service to local government administration. He has worked at Exmouth since 2002 and at other local authorities since 1986.

Mr Woodward said a healthy local government was critical to the operations of regional towns.

“I think local government is in a position to influence policy and bring better services and outcomes to people who live in towns,” he said.

“We are very much a part of the town and we see daily what’s happening in people’s lives and the community.

“There is no place for corruption at all, because the people who end up paying for corruption in local government is the local community.”

Mr Woodward said education and a desire to implement anti-corruption and misconduct strategies at the highest level of local government was important to ensure councillors and officials worked in the best interests of their community.

The release outlining the reasons for Mr Woodward’s nomination noted he was “exemplary” in guiding the Shire through the CCC inquiry.

“He assisted the CCC investigation team and provided honest and reliable evidence and assistance, and also strong and effective leadership to the remaining staff, and ensured that essential rate payer services were maintained during this period.”

“All of this was happening in an environment of challenges including Exmouth 50 Year Celebrations and the opening of the Ningaloo Centre.

He is a strong proponent of good governance, ethical work practice and staff development and is committed to serving the community of Exmouth.”

Mr Woodward said he was surprised to hear someone had considered his work worthy of a nomination.