THE City of Kalamunda has awarded resident Geof Irvin as a Freeman of the City, celebrating his decades of service, leadership and care for the Kalamunda community.

For more than 40 years, Mr Irvin has been a passionate supporter of the area’s sport, environmental projects and community initiatives.

His contribution spanned from hands-on involvement in local clubs to helping shape broader community outcomes that strengthened the fabric of life across the city.

Mr Irvin is a Vietnam veteran and has been sober for 15 years, and said staying away from alcohol was vital in helping him open up about his experiences and heal.

He said surviving cancer and septicemia gave him a clear message to “get out there and help young people”.

That was the entryway to a life of community service that saw him volunteering his time at the Kalamunda Education Support School, where he now devotes his time to mentoring children with disabilities.

Though, Mr Irvin has also been involved in community efforts far beyond that since he began his outreach.

City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas said the honour was one of the city’s highest acknowledgements and reflected Mr Irvin’s outstanding dedication to the region and its people.

“Geof’s contribution to our community has been nothing short of remarkable,” she said.

“He leads with humility and purpose, always focused on how he can make things better for others. His energy, his sense of community spirit, and his unwavering commitment to service have inspired so many across Kalamunda.”

Ms Thomas said the award also recognised the example Mr Irvin had set for future generations.

“What stands out most about Geof is not just the time he’s given, but the care he brings to everything he does,” she said.

“He represents the best of what it means to be part of this city: kindness, integrity and a genuine belief in community.”

To celebrate the honour, the City of Kalamunda hosted an afternoon tea on October 14, attended by Mr Irvin’s family, friends, councillors and colleagues.

The gathering was held ahead of the October ordinary council meeting and offered an opportunity to reflect on his extraordinary contribution and share the occasion with those closest to him.

Mr Irvin told Echo News that though life was bound to get you down at times, the choice is always going to be there to get yourself back on your feet.

“Look, you get yourself into ruts, so you’ve got to get yourself out,” he said. “I’ve had a few ruts, I suppose, because I let things get to me but you’ve got to make a pledge to yourself and follow it.

“To me the whole benefit seems to come from seeing young people grow and grow into young adults.

“Whether they’re slightly disabled or not at all, it doesn’t matter.

“Give a young person a future and they’ll pay you back tenfold.”