THE Shire of Northam has announced its first walk of fame in Bernard Park which celebrates the lives of exceptional community members past and present.

Shire of Northam President Chris Antonio presided over the unveiling ceremony on May 23, which named five community members whose contributions left a legacy in the region.

The inaugural inductees for 2026 were George Throssell, Genoefa Budas, Janice James, Marlene Gazis and Shirley Christmass.

Mr Throssell was the second WA premier and also a prominent businessman who was known as the lion of Northam.

He started service early as Northam’s postmaster in his mid-20s, then led in local government before he served as the Commissioner of Crown Lands, eventually becoming the second WA Premier in 1901.

Ms Budas has been recognised for her time spendtadvocating for multicultural heritage, having preserved the history of Northam’s post-WWII displaced persons for more than 62 years.

Ms Budas was the daughter of parents who were displaced following Germany’s invasion of Poland and Ukraine during WWII.

She spent her early years in refugee camps in Germany, Northam Army Camp, Cunderdin Air Base and Holden Camp in Northam.

Her work as leader of heritage organisations, organiser of multicultural festivals, and developer of educational materials for school has earned her recognition with the shire and beyond.

Ms James is honoured as a distinguished historian of Romani descent who was recognised as an honorary Noongar Elder for her profound respect for culture and her work creating Australia’s largest collection of Aboriginal genealogical records.

She also served as a councillor in Northam and helped beautify the area by restoring the Northam Cemetery and creating Melissa’s Fairy Garden.

Ms Gazis is celebrated as the founder of non-profit organisation Share and Care and as the foundation president for 19 continuous years she developed programs for domestic violence assistance, financial counselling, and childcare.

Her Share and Care organisation grew from a small neighbourhood organisation to a service that was accessed throughout the Wheatbelt region.

She was a tireless advocate for migrant women and the vulnerable all while still working her regular job alongside her husband as operators of Northam’s greengrocer.

Ms Christmass was honoured for her dedication to sports in the community as a president, a player, coach and umpire and was also honoured for her community volunteering.

She was instrumental in establishing the foundation of the Northam Netball Association which was known in 1968 as ‘Women’s Basketball’.

She served as its president for 27 years, with her proving her lifelong passion for sport by umpiring her final game at age 81.

She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Red Cross, and Northam’s schools, was awarded the Fred Killick community service award and celebrated for defining the spirit of sport in Northam.

Visitors may find the walk of fame in Bernard Park with plaques starting at the swan enclosure and stretching toward Peel Terrace.

Following the momentum of the 2026 recognitions, nominations for the 2027 Shire of Northam Walk of Fame are officially open too and may be accessed online.