Peter Coppin appointed Freeman of the Town of Port Hedland

22/11/02
Pilbara Minister Tom Stephens today officially appointed Nymal lawman and respected Pilbara elder Peter Coppin as Freeman of the Town of Port Hedland.
Mr Coppin is Port Hedland's first Aboriginal person ever to receive this title.
The Freeman of the Town of Port Hedland is a symbolic honour that is awarded to a special individual who is widely recognised and acknowledged for their contribution to the community.
Speaking at the official ceremony, the Minister praised Mr Coppin on his outstanding achievement and ongoing leadership in improving the future of Aboriginal people in the region.
"The appointment of Peter Coppin as freeman of the town has been the result of his life-long commitment to community service in the region for over 50 years," Mr Stephens said.
"His efforts to improve the lives of his people began in the 1940s when, as one of the leaders in the 1946 Pilbara pastoral workers' strike, he campaigned for better pay and conditions for Aboriginal people working on the pastoral stations. Since then, he has carried on working for self-determination for his people.
"Peter has long been an advocate of fairness for Aboriginal people and his efforts have contributed well towards a better future for Aboriginal people, not just in Port Hedland, but the entire Pilbara region."
Mr Coppin's many achievements include this year's honour as the 2002 joint Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Elder of the Year at the national NAIDOC awards.
Minister's office: 9213 6500