The Nationals WA have congratulated former MP Grant Woodhams on becoming a Member (AM) of the order of Australia in the general division.
Leader Mia Davies said Mr Woodhams – or “Woody” as he was affectionately known to his Party colleagues – was a true champion of the bush.
“Woody represented The Nationals WA in the seats of Greenough and then Moore from 2005 to 2013, during which time he had the honour of serving as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for almost five years,” Ms Davies said.
“Universally respected and liked by both sides of politics, Woody was a fierce defender of regional communities.
“He played a critical role in the historic 2008 election, securing the newly formed electorate of Moore which led to The Nationals gaining the balance of power. That election made Royalties for Regions possible and put regional West Australians at the front of the queue for the first time in history.”
Ms Davies said Mr Woodhams was an approachable person who had been a very popular presenter on the ABC before entering politics.
“Many West Australians recognised Woody from his days of telling them the weather forecast every night on the ABC,” she said.
“It always struck me that no matter where we were in regional WA Woody seemed to be on a first-name basis with everyone.
“Put simply, he is just a good bloke.”
Ms Davies said Mr Woodhams always put the interests of his community first.
“To this day Woody remains committed to servicing the community he loves,” she said.
Mr Woodhams is a board member of the WA College of Agriculture in Morawa and is chairman of a number of organisations, including the North Midlands Education Industry Training Alliance, Geraldton’s Hollomby Foundation, Geraldton headspace advisory group and Rural Health West.
He is president of the Chapman Valley Football Club and a director of the WA Country Football League and is still a sports presenter on community radio.
