The City of Cockburn’s Ranger Kylie was named WA Ranger of Year on Wednesday, September 18.
Ranger Kylie has worked at Cockburn for four years and is proactive about being visible in the community.
School children may even recognise her dog ‘Ranger Annie’ who was adopted as a stray dog.
Annie is now helping Kylie teach children how to behave with dogs, how to read their body language, and what to do in situations where there may be an aggressive animal.
Dog walkers may have seen Variable Message Signs at local parks and reserves encouraging people to keep their pets on a lead and in control – the concept was suggested and facilitated by Ranger Kylie.
In his submission to the award presented by the WA Rangers Association, City of Cockburn Senior Ranger James Andrews said Kylie often went the extra mile.
“She is a highly self-motivated Ranger who is passionate about her role and improving both quality of service to the community but also outcomes in protecting the community,” he said.
Ranger Kylie said she felt very honoured to be acknowledged for her efforts during the year.
“This can be a very challenging role so it is nice to be recognised for all the positive achievements,” she said.
“The City of Cockburn provides me with the opportunity to be proactive and introduce new initiatives that positively impact our community.
“I am privileged to work for the City of Cockburn and with our awesome team. It really is a whole of team effort for a Ranger to be awarded this achievement.”
Behind the scenes, Ranger Kylie has been instrumental in creating standardised letters to improve the professionalism of the Ranger and Community Safety Services, and she helped the City of Cockburn meet Department of Agriculture requirements when impounding and processing livestock.
Ranger Kylie created an education seminar for City of Cockburn staff attending properties, and she is a member of the Reduce Illegal Dumping working group for the Western Australian Local Government Association.