Karratha hero Luke Whatley wins citizen of the year award

Karratha’s inspiring “local legend” Luke Whatley has taken out the top gong at the City of Karratha Australia Day awards. Mr Whatley was named citizen of the year for his efforts in raising more than $7000 for the Smith Family by swimming 120 laps of the Karratha Leisureplex pool on December 4. The swim was to celebrate International Day of People with Disability and marked the third year in a row he had completed the feat. Mr Whatley said it was an honour to receive the award. “It’s a really, really good feeling. You know naturally I wasn’t nervous at all. I was cool, calm and collected,” he said. “I’m very grateful for the community’s support and for the people of Karratha’s support. And of course the support from Peter Long and traditional Elders as well.” Mr Whatley is planning his next challenge, which he said would be a surprise. “I can’t wait to show you my next challenge for 2022. So watch out, it’s going to be big,” he said. The citizen of the year award recognises and celebrates a local older than 25 who has made a contribution during the current year or has volunteered within the local community over several years. Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Limited won the Community Event of the Year award for the Cossack Dragon Boat Festival and Bec Smith received the Community Service Award. The Young Citizen of the year went to Jade Adams for completing more than 100 hours of community service, being involved in the Empowering People in Communities Teddy Bear picnic and raising more than $7000 for the Cancer Council.