The Freeman of the City is an honour recognising individuals whose exceptional service and commitment have made a lasting contribution to the community, Australia and humanity. The City of Wanneroo proudly acknowledges the significant impact our Freemen have made over the years.
Margaret Cockman
(1931 - 2023)
Born in 1931, Margaret Cockman OAM is a lifelong Wanneroo resident from one of the City’s founding families, with her family home now preserved as Cockman House Museum. She devoted more than 50 years to local government service, retiring in 1996 and played a pivotal role in establishing many community organisations across Wanneroo and Joondalup.
Margaret was instrumental in founding and supporting groups including the Wanneroo Country Women’s Association, Wanneroo Agricultural Society and Wanneroo and Districts Historical Society and co-authored The Story of Wanneroo in 1979. Her contributions were recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1990, the Centenary Medal in 2001 and appointment as Freeman of the City of Wanneroo in 1995.
Graham Edwards
Graham Edwards AM, born in Kalgoorlie in 1946, grew up in Mt Ida, served in the army and was wounded twice in Vietnam, losing his legs to a land mine. After rehabilitation, he spent a decade in the Commonwealth Public Service, working across Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and the Vietnam Veterans’ Counselling Service.
Graham has since served the community extensively through volunteer work, advocacy for veterans, involvement with local organisations including in Wanneroo, and service in both State and Federal Parliaments. Recognised for his dedication, he was named Freeman of the City of Wanneroo in 2008 and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2012.
Bill Marwick
William (Bill) Marwick OAM, born in York in 1939, moved to Wanneroo with his wife Bernice in 1973. In 1974, they co‑founded Wanneroo’s first newspaper, The Wanneroo Community News, which evolved into The Wanneroo District Times and later The Wanneroo Times, becoming a key communication platform for the local community and council.
Bill served as a Wanneroo Councillor from 1988 to 1994, including a term as Mayor, and was active in numerous community organisations. He founded the Wanneroo and Districts Historical Society in 1989 and served as its President for 16 years, recording oral histories and authoring Stories of Old Wanneroo and The Times of Wanneroo. In 2004, he was recognised as an Exemplary Citizen by Lions Clubs International and named a Freeman of the City of Wanneroo for his long‑standing community and historical contributions.
Mick Nanovich
(1931 - 2005)
Born in 1931, Michael “Mick” Nanovich moved to Wanneroo with his wife Marie in 1960, establishing a successful market garden and becoming a respected community figure. He was actively involved in numerous local organisations, including the Wanneroo Agricultural Society, Wanneroo Football Club, Market Gardeners Association, and local surf lifesaving clubs, as well as serving in leadership roles within the produce industry.
Mick served on the Wanneroo Shire from 1963, including two years as Deputy President and six years as President, providing strong leadership during the area’s transition from a rural town to a metropolitan centre in the 1970s. He was awarded Freeman of the City in 2000 in recognition of his service.
Ruth Reid
(1921 - 2024)
Born in 1921, Ruth Reid AM, CIT WA is widely respected for her lifelong commitment to community service, including her role at Government House while her husband served as Western Australia’s Governor from 1984 to 1989. She has dedicated more than 50 years to volunteering with a wide range of community organisations across the state.
Ruth’s service has been recognised with numerous honours, including appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in 1998, Western Australian Citizen of the Year in 2000, and the Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award in 2013.
Nick Trandos
(1934 - 2025)
Nicolas (Nick) Trandos OAM JP was born in Greece in 1934 and reunited with his father in Wanneroo after migrating to Australia in 1949. After completing his schooling, he worked in the family market gardening business and later served as President of the WA Market Gardeners' Association for 25 years.
Nick was a dedicated community leader, serving 24 years in local government, including as the Shire of Wanneroo’s last President and the City of Wanneroo’s first Mayor. He also founded the Olympic Kingsway Sports Club and served multiple terms as its President. Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1988, Nick was named the City of Wanneroo’s first Freeman and is remembered for his vision and enduring community spirit.
