After an impressive 35 years of service to the Augusta Margaret River Shire, Recreation Supervisor Norma Guthrie was farewelled at a morning tea to recognise her contribution to the region.
The community sporting stalwart was flanked by Shire chief executive Gary Evershed and president Ian Earl at the recreation centre earlier this month as a large banner was unfurled to commemorate the retirement.
Mrs Guthrie, who steps down from the post after taking up a position at the Margaret River Recreation Centre in 1982, recalled a time when the centre simply comprised of the current Court 3 and squash courts.
In those days, basketball and netball were played outside, on asphalt courts.
In 1992, Mrs Guthrie became the manager of the Margaret River Cultural Centre and in 1994 took up the management position at the Recreation Centre.
During this time, the art and recreation centres hosted the 2001 Rotary Conference, the ‘Western Power Games’ staff sports carnival in 1997, 1999 and 2003 as well as performances from Australian music icons Slim Dusty and John Williamson.
Mrs Guthrie also saw the development of the first gym in Augusta in 1998, the same year the Aquatic centre was constructed.
As well as being a life member of the local basketball and netball associations, Mrs Guthrie was awarded Rotary Sportsperson of the Year and the Fairest and Best for the Margaret River Basketball Association for sixteen years between 1968 and 1990.
Adding to the long list of achievements and career highlights, Mrs Guthrie was also South West Games Coordinator from 2005 to 2007 and appeared on the 1969 WA State basketball team.
In 2012 the centre’s sports stadium was named in Mrs Guthrie’s honour to mark her 30 years of service and her many community achievements.
