Published on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 at 9:45:29 AM
The Shire of Capel is delighted to announce that Margaret Doyle has been awarded the highest honour of Freeman of the Shire of Capel, in recognition of more than six decades of outstanding service to the Capel Shire community.
This honour recognises individual members of the community who demonstrate exemplary commitment and contribution to their community and whom the Shire and that community believe should be suitably honoured.
Mrs Margaret Doyle exemplifies this honour to its fullest extent.
Margaret moved to Capel in 1965 and since then, has dedicated her life to volunteering, leadership and community service across countless local organisations.
Her community involvement began with Scouting, where she progressed from Cub Leader to Group Leader, earned her Adult Leader Wood Badge and received the District Commissioner's Appreciation Certificate.
She then devoted many years to the Catholic Women's League, the Country Women's Association, Parents and Citizens Associations, and school communities throughout Capel and Bunbury.
Margaret's service extended across education, serving on Parents and Friends Associations, the WA State Federation of Parents and Friends, and the WA School Canteen Association. She also volunteered for 22 years at Capel Primary School, in the school library, classrooms and canteen.
Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Margaret became a driving force in community organisations including the Capel Fest Committee, Foodbank, the South West Games Management Committee, Lions, and the Capel Townscape and Neighbourhood Watch Committees.
Margaret also served for five years as a Shire of Capel Councillor and volunteered in the Shire Library, promoting reading to local children.
Her commitment has been recognised through numerous awards, including:
- 1997 – J.D. Richardson Award (Lions)
- 1998 – 100% Club President Excellence Award (Lions)
- 2000 – Shire of Capel Australia Day Award
- 2001 – 10-Year Monarch Award (Lions)
- 2005 – Lions International President's Certificate of Appreciation
- 2006 – Foodbank Volunteer of the Year
- 2008 – Melvin Jones Fellowship
- 2020 – 30-Year Monarch Award (Lions)
Margaret has also held numerous leadership roles within Lions at club, district and regional levels, contributed to statewide boards, coordinated youth and exchange programs, mentored emerging clubs, and was instrumental in organising four South West Games for the Shire of Capel.
After stepping back from the Country Women's Association in 2017 to care for her son, Margaret rejoined the Capel Branch in 2024, continuing her lifelong commitment to serving the local community.
Margaret’s unwavering dedication, leadership and generosity continues to leave a legacy across the Shire of Capel. Her contribution exemplifies the spirit of community service, making her a highly deserving recipient of the honour of Freeman of the Shire of Capel as she joins esteemed company.
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