2016 City of Karratha Citizen of the Year

Sent on: Thursday, 28 January 2016 at 12:32:04 PM

Getting down to business with Grant Reilly, President, KDCCI

On behalf of the KDCCI Executive Committee, our member network and the local business community I would like congratulate KDCCI CEO, John Lally, on being named the 2016 City of Karratha Citizen of the Year! Well done John!

It’s pretty safe to say John was the only one “shocked” by the announcement and judging by the response on social media most people thought the honour was much-deserved and a long time coming.

The words “legend” and “top bloke” were also being bandied around on Facebook…  But I’ll leave it there for fear of making him blush.

Officially the awards recognise people who have made an outstanding contribution to the community over the past 12 months, but John’s story of service began more than 25 years ago.

City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long called John an “inspiration” who gives himself freely and tirelessly for the betterment of the people around him.

Right here, right now John is actively involved as Chair of Pegs Creek Primary School Board; Deputy Chair of the Governing Council of the Pilbara Institute; Director of the Centre of Whale Research Inc (WA); and Commodore and Life Member of the Hampton Harbour Boat & Sailing Club, Dampier.

But one of John’s greatest passions is empowering regional resilience and prosperity through economic growth, development and diversification.

He believes in the region’s potential to achieve great things for generations to come!

And that’s exactly why – we here at the KDCCI – are so lucky to have him.

Since coming on board in 2011 John has introduced a number of major events and initiatives designed to put the Pilbara in the spotlight and get the pollies talking.

The Pilbara Pulse Economic Summit attracted the attentions of Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss while the City of Karratha Economic Forum saw Premier Colin Barnett and Minister for Regional Development Terry Redman take the stage.

At a local level John has worked hard to promote and expand the capacity of small to medium sized enterprise through the KDCCI’s Annual Business Excellence Awards and projects such as the Karratha Business Expo and Pilbara Business Bootcamp.

John continually proves himself to be a driven innovator who is focused on helping the local business community survive and thrive! 

The KDCCI Executive Committee would like to thank John for the energy and enthusiasm he’s brought to our member network.

And because we know behind every great man is an even greater woman…  We’d also like to thank Lynn, John’s lovely wife, for supporting John in his work! 

We appreciate and acknowledge that this level of contribution and commitment to the local community cannot come without great personal sacrifice.

Congratulations John!  Keep up the great work! 

Evette Smeathers, Manager of Retail & Generation, Horizon Power, presenting John Lally with his Citizen of the Year Award.