Spotlight a Volunteer: Ruth White

Published on 20 October 2023

City Beach resident Mrs Ruth White has dedicated the past six decades to active involvement in various community voluntary activities.

Originally hailing from Sydney, her life took a turn when she married a third-generation farmer from Coorow, Western Australia. Together, they established and managed a sheep and wheat farm in the area. Ruth's commitment to her community led her to train as a Justice of the Peace (JP), an essential role in the close-knit Coorow community. She was always ready to respond to late-night phone calls and assist at the local police station in witnessing important documents.

In 1982, Ruth took a bold step and decided to run for a seat on the council. Her determination paid off, making her the first female local government councillor in WA to serve the Shire of Carnamah. Six years later, in 1988, she achieved yet another historic milestone by becoming the first female Shire President.

In 2006, Ruth and her family acquired land and constructed a new home in City Beach. Despite relocating, her dedication to community service remained unwavering. She became an active member of the Floreat Ladies Probus Club, where she currently holds the position of Secretary. Ruth continued to serve as a JP at the Cambridge Library, a role she held for 11 years. Remarkably, at the age of 92, she has only recently retired from her JP duties.

When asked about the highlights of her many years as a community volunteer, Ruth humbly stated: "being able to help people and forge lasting friendships along the way".

The Town of Cambridge expresses our heartfelt gratitude to Ruth for the invaluable contributions she has made to our local community.

To recognise a volunteer making a difference in the community, please complete a nomination form via the button below:

Spotlight on a Volunteer - Nomination Form