WA Excellence in Volunteer Management
2026 WINNER – TANYA HEALY | Prepare Produce Provide
Tanya Healy is the Head Chef and Program Director at Prepare Produce Provide, which trains young people to develop career pathways in the education, food and hospitality industries. Tanya embedded a volunteer-first, culturally strong approach that has immeasurably improved program delivery, volunteer satisfaction and community outcomes.
Finalists
- Leandri Cronje – Bridge Builders (Greenfields)
Leandri Cronje leads Bridge Builders’ Backpack Buddies program, which supports over 220 children across 17 schools in the Peel and Rockingham region. As demand for the program has grown, Leandri has helped turn it into a structured, inclusive and scalable volunteering model that improves both organisational capacity and community impact. Through Leandri’s leadership, Bridge Builders has been able to go from one success to the next, ensuring that vulnerable children receive consistent weekend food support.
- Maryann Tsai – Reach Her (Como)
Maryann Tsai is the Founder and Board Chair of Reach Her, an organisation dedicated to empowering women through accessible employment training. Maryann has a range of responsibilities including the governance, management and development of a diverse workforce of volunteers, and it is under her leadership that Reach Her supported over 462 women in 2025 alone.
Presented by Beyond Bank
Inclusive Volunteering Award
2026 WINNER – BEFRIEND
Befriend is a Perth-based community building organisation dedicated to growing inclusive, connected, resilient communities. In 2025 they developed a flexible volunteering pathway in consultation with community members, with various “activating experiences” which have supported 240 people from diverse backgrounds to design their own unique volunteering role.
Finalists:
- Invisible Illnesses (East Rockingham)
Invisible Illnesses Inc is a Western Australian, self-funded not-for-profit organisation delivering inclusive, flexible, and trauma-informed volunteering opportunities for people living with invisible illness, disability, neurodivergence, mental health challenges, caring responsibilities, and social disadvantage.
- Marine Rescue Derby (Derby)
Marine Rescue Derby saves lives while strengthening community connection to the marine environment. Their pioneering Derby Marine Rescue Cadet Program—the first of its kind in Western Australia—equips First Nations young people with maritime skills and qualifications, blending cultural knowledge with hands-on training to build pathways into volunteering and employment.
Presented by the Minderoo Foundation
WA Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering
2026 WINNER – THE LATE LIN DOUST | The Y WA (YMCA WA)
The WA Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award honours an exemplary individual who has volunteered for 20 years or more, and whose life-long contribution has significantly benefitted the Western Australian community over that time.
Finalists:
- Dr Atul Kumar Garg JP – Neighbourhood Watch WA, Federation of Indian Associations of WA (FIAWA), IETE Australia, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) (Melville)
Dr Atul Kumar Garg JP has contributed 32 years of voluntary service across community safety, multicultural engagement and health. Among his many accomplishments, as Chair of Federation of Indian Associations of WA, he expanded programs and leads major Australia Day–Republic Day celebrations, while strengthening crime-prevention initiatives through Neighbourhood Watch City of Melville.
- Tina Baldwin – Lifeline WA Bedford)
Tina has volunteered for over 40 years with Lifeline WA, taking more than 33,000 crisis calls since 1984. She also mentors new supporters, volunteers with St Peter the Apostle Church, and fundraises for Ronald McDonald House through the Up All Night Walk.
Presented by Advocare
WA Corporate Community Impact Award
2026 WINNERS – DANDELIONS WA & MINERAL RESOURCES
Mineral Resources and Dandelions WA partnered in 2025 to pack 3,800 backpacks and distribute 17,000 statewide. Through volunteering, infrastructure support, and logistics, the collaboration strengthened operational capacity, volunteer wellbeing, and ensured disadvantaged children across Western Australia began school equipped, confident, and ready to learn.
Finalists:
- Alcoa Australia & Foodbank WA
Alcoa and Foodbank WA deliver a partnership combining funding and hands-on support. Renewed with $600,000 in 2025, it enabled nearly one million meals, 3,000+ hampers, innovative pantry models, expanded regional services, and strengthened infrastructure to address rising food insecurity.
- RAC WA & WA Wildlife
RAC and WA Wildlife partnered in 2025 to deliver 745 volunteer hours, a skills-based project, and a community member day, enhancing WA Wildlife’s capacity, increasing public awareness, and promoting safer road behaviours to protect Western Australia’s native wildlife.
Presented by Bankwest
WA Community Volunteer Organisation of the Year
2026 WINNER – Man Up WA
MAN UP WA empowers young volunteers to deliver peer-led workshops on masculinity, mental health, and respectful relationships. In 2025, 50+ facilitators reached 3,354 young men, achieving measurable learning gains, increased help-seeking, and cultural change, while volunteers also lead governance, operations, and youth leadership development across WA.
Finalists:
- Forget-Me-Not Dementia Support (Roleystone)
Forget-Me-Not Dementia Support runs 34 monthly Memory Cafés across Perth and regional areas, all hosted by volunteers. The cafés offer safe, social spaces with activities for people living with dementia, their families, and carers, fostering friendship, engagement, and support while reducing isolation on the dementia journey.
- Little Things for Tiny Tots (Yokine)
Little Things for Tiny Tots provided essential baby items to 7,000+ WA families in 2025. Through packing, logistics, and direct deliveries, volunteers reduce stress, promote safe-sleep practices, and foster social connection. The inclusive program engages all ages, strengthens community, and sustainably redistributes baby essentials.
Supported by Lotterywest
WA Young Volunteer of the Year
2026 WINNER – ELLIE VRANKOVICH | Citizens Advice Bureau WA
Ellie Vrankovich volunteers with Citizens Advice Bureau Western Australia, supporting callers with legal issues and training as a Criminal Injuries Compensation Help Assistant. She independently created the CIC Handbook to simplify the claims process and contributed coding skills to the Safe Response Toolkit for The STOP Campaign.
Finalists:
- Isabella Chalker – Bethanie Dalyellup, Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre, Zonta Club, Dalyellup Surf Life Saving Club, City of Bunbury Youth Advisory Council (Dalyellup)
Isabella Chalker founded and leads the Manea Senior College Z Club, driving initiatives like the Birthing Kit Project and kindness campaigns. She volunteers at Bethanie Dalyellup and Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre, while representing youth locally, statewide and nationally through advisory roles and Youth Parliament. She also volunteers with the Bunbury Youth Advisory Council and Dalyellup Surf Life Saving, representing youth perspectives in community safety and civic engagement.
- Jessica Yugovich – The Aliyah Mae Foundation (Forrestfield)
Jessica Yugovich founded The Aliyah Mae Foundation in 2024, establishing it within eight weeks. She launched key initiatives including 676 ICU care packs and hygiene items, a therapy funding program, the “What Happens Now” guide (with 727 accesses in 2025), peer support groups for bereaved parents and an online Family Grief Support Hub for grieving families.
Presented by the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation
RAC WA Volunteer of the Year
2026 WINNER – KERRIE OVERELL | WestAus Crisis & Welfare Services
Kerrie Overell coordinates WestAus Crisis & Welfare Services’s Healthy Breakfast Club, Refresh Showers, and Christmas Hamper program, delivering tens of thousands of meals and supporting thousands of vulnerable people annually. She manages volunteers, sources donations, and ensures programs run smoothly, providing essential support and dignity to the Peel Region community.
Finalists:
- Anthea Lawrence – Little Things for Tiny Tots (Shenton Park)
Anthea Lawrence acted as Chair of Little Things for Tiny Tots in 2025, leading during rapid growth and board changes. Contributing 500 volunteer hours, she maintained operations, governance, and community partnerships, enabling a 30% increase in aid statewide and ensuring vulnerable WA families continued receiving vital baby items.
- Maryann Tsai – Reach Her (Como)
Maryann’s volunteering through Reach Her Inc., the Como Primary School Board, and City of South Perth’s ICAG supported 462 women and shaped inclusive programs. Her mentorship, leadership, and hands-on engagement empower participants, strengthen community equity, and inspire others, positively impacting Western Australian communities.
Presented by RAC
Excellence in Volunteer Management
2025 WINNER – MAY BOWDEN | St Vincent de Paul Society WA
May Bowden has had a profound impact on Vinnies WA’s volunteer program, leading initiatives to improve training, retention, and engagement in 2024. Her efforts to create a values-based team culture, introduce new volunteer roles, and ensure volunteer wellbeing have strengthened the organisation and lowered attrition rates to the lowest it’s been in six years, the time that May has been at Vinnies.
Finalists
- Jennifer Ball, Worthy Australia
- Lorrie Gray, WA Ostomy Association
Presented by AON
Inclusive Volunteering Award
2025 WINNER – WA ALL ABILITIES FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
The WA All Abilities Football Association (WAAAFA) promotes inclusivity by enabling people with disabilities to participate in Australian Rules Football. Volunteers play a crucial role, offering mentorship, coaching, and support to players. Through inclusive programs like Starkick, WAAAFA creates strong community connections and gives everyone a chance to play.
Finalists
- Reach Her
- Umbrella Multicultural Community Care
Presented by Minderoo Foundation
Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering
2025 WINNER – COLIN LONGWORTH | Living Proud
Colin began volunteering with Living Proud in 1981, motivated by his personal experience of coming out in the late 1970s when homosexuality was illegal. His dedication to supporting the LGBTIQA+SB community has spanned over 40 years, providing vital peer support, training, and advocacy during challenging times, including the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Finalists
- Brother Thomas Oliver (Olly) Pickett AM, Wheelchairs for Kids
- Nicole Kelly, Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Presented by Advocare
WA Young Volunteer of the Year
2025 WINNER – BREE DEL BORRELLO | St John WA
Bree is a dedicated volunteer and mentor at St John Ambulance Lancelin, with over 1,000 operational hours and experience across a diverse range of emergency callouts. Beyond frontline emergency work, Bree has contributed by helping maintain the subcentre, training new volunteers, and delivering public health education.
Finalists
- Grace Gatt-Lodding, Leading Youth Forward
- Millie Penman, SES, West Murray Bush Fire Brigade, Coastal Waste Warriors & Royal Australian Navy Cadets
Presented by the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation
Corporate Volunteering Impact Award
2025 WINNER – Horizon Power
Horizon Power’s corporate volunteering program is central to its culture, empowering 275 employees to contribute 2,136 hours in 2024. From regional WA to metro communities, volunteers supported diverse causes, including social inclusion, wildlife conservation, and emergency services. Their dedication strengthens communities, reflecting Horizon Power’s commitment to giving back and regional growth.
Finalists
- BHP
- Woodside Energy
Presented by NeonLogic
Community Volunteer Organisation of the Year
2025 WINNER – Care For Hedland Environmental Association
Care For Hedland Environmental Association is a grassroots community organisation dedicated to environmental conservation, sustainability, and education. With over 663 volunteers contributing 5,428 hours annually, its initiatives include Flatback turtle monitoring, waste reduction, community gardening, and recycling. Their efforts ensure a sustainable future and stronger environmental stewardship in Port Hedland.
Finalists
- Busselton Hospice Care
- Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association
Supported by Lotterywest
RAC WA Volunteer of the Year
2025 WINNER – BRIAN GALLOP ASM OSTJ | St John WA
Brian Gallop ASM OStJ is a dedicated volunteer with 30 years of service to St John WA. His impact spans emergency response, volunteer training, community outreach, and much more. A few of his notable initiatives include MAVLAN Fidgets for dementia patients and fundraising for remote sub-centres. Needless to say, Brian’s 30 year commitment has improved many lives across WA.
Finalists
- Glenys Malatesta, Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade
- Kate Bettenay, Hero Hunter Foundation
Presented by RAC
RAC WA Volunteer of the Year
2024 WINNER – PETER GERAGHTY | St John WA
Peter Geraghty provides superior leadership through his role as the secretary/treasurer of the St John WA – Kununoppin Sub Centre, which covers 18,000kms and is one of the largest in WA. Peter ensures that even while maintaining his own full-time business, the operations of the sub centre take priority. This is evident with the sub centre running a fleet of 12 ambulances across 6 locations, plus additional resources including a caravan, light tower and 4WD ambulance. As a call-taker and ambulance dispatcher (a role he’s held for 40 years), Peter is on-call 24/7, which he juggles alongside running his business, driving a school bus, and family obligations.
Finalists
- Craig Hollywood, Short Back & Sidewalks
- Tracey Cave, Sister Project
Presented by RAC
WA Young Volunteer of the Year
2024 WINNER – ZAC CAWDRON | Youth at Risk Network
In the face of personal adversity, Zac Cawdron not only endured but emerged as an inspiring force in the Western Australian community throughout 2023. At 24 years of age, Zac is a young person who wears various hats in the mental health and community sector. He has volunteered as a youth representative and committee member with the Youth at Risk Network – known as YARN since 2020 and became chair in December 2021. YARN is a youth-led collection of service providers that support young people with a range of issues such as mental health, alcohol and other drug misuse, homelessness, sexual health, out of home care and more.
Finalists
- Kamran Ahmed, Camp Quality
- Nyassha Horne Thompson, Busselton Community Safe Space
Presented by the Stan Perron Foundation
WA Excellence in Volunteer Management
2024 WINNER – ALANAGH GODDERIDGE | Motion by the Ocean
As the founder and CEO of Motion by the Ocean, Alanagh Godderidge is a pioneer of the ‘Cycling Without Age’ movement in Western Australia. Led by Alanagh, Motion by the Ocean helps senior citizens and people with disabilities connect to their community through free volunteer-driven trishaw rides along Perth’s northern coast. Through Alanagh’s leadership of 43 active volunteers, last year Motion by the Ocean provided 920 rides for 1,800 participants, travelling 11,500 kms! The organisation’s Moving Food program also delivered 11,000+ meals to seniors and vulnerable individuals living within our community.
Finalists
- Georgina Bromfield, Dismantle
- Steve Marshall, Free Community Christmas Luncheon
Presented by AON
WA Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering
2024 WINNER – KATHLEEN JOAN WARD | Great Southern
Joan Ward is an incredible member within the Dumbleyung, Emu Point and Albany communities. Throughout 74 years of volunteering, Joan has championed blood donation drives, ran P&C Op Shops, served on the committee of golf, badminton, tennis, waterskiing, lawn bowls, and social clubs. She’s fundraised for annual community events, the Albany Hospital shop, and a project to build cottage homes for elderly in need. At 90 years of age, Joan is the current President of the Port of Albany Probus and has written the local Bulletin for the past 12 years.
Finalists
- Colin Longworth
- Johan Alferink
Presented by COTA WA
WA Inclusive Volunteering Award
2024 WINNER – FIRST HIKE PROJECT
Restarting life in a new country can be a daunting experience. Being in an unfamiliar location, a different culture, with few if any connections, and no choice but to learn a new language. With 24 active volunteers in WA, First Hike Project volunteers arrange everything to make free day hikes and camping experiences available for newly arrived youth of migrant and refugee backgrounds, as a way to introduce them to beautiful the Western Australian landscape and connect with nature and community. The project involves huge amounts of work from engaging with schools; meeting prospective participants; coordinating applications, hiking routes, meals, equipment, transport, first aid officers – and of course the best part – leading the hikes and engaging with young participants from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
Finalists
- Northwest Multicultural Association WA
- Sister Project
Presented by Volunteering WA
WA Community Organisation of the Year
2024 WINNER – WORTHY AUSTRALIA
How do you start again when you have nothing to your name? That’s where Worthy Australia comes in. Throughout 2023, Worthy Australia’s team of 80 passionate volunteers worked tirelessly to transform 34 vacant houses into fully furnished, decorated and functioning HOMES for 34 women and 75 children escaping domestic violence. The impact of Worthy Australia’s volunteers is nothing short of remarkable. They not only doubled their social media following, gained major sponsors and secured grants – they most importantly collected, purchased and placed thousands of items needed to transform houses into safe haven homes.
Finalists
- Guide Dogs WA
- MAN UP WA
Presented by Lotterywest
WA Excellence in Corporate Volunteering
2024 WINNER – BANKWEST
Bankwest is an Australian bank based in Perth, Western Australia, supporting the Western Australian community for 127 years. Bankwest’s corporate volunteering program is a core element of its community investment strategy, as well as its People Value Proposition for employees. Bankwest colleagues volunteer an average of 7,000 hours every year, but in 2023 this jumped to 9,000 hours, with the addition of new volunteering campaigns. Last year, Bankwest employees volunteered with over 20 charities and community groups. Volunteering generates pride amongst employees that Bankwest is a socially responsible organisation that gives back to those in need and is a great place to work.
Finalists
- INPEX
- RAC
Presented by NeonLogic
WA Excellence in Volunteer Management
2023 WINNER – VICKI POLLARD | Peel Volunteer Resource Centre
Vicki Pollard has managed the Peel Volunteer Resource Centre for the past 15 years, which empowers volunteers and managers through upskilling and support, connecting volunteers with community organisations and supporting vulnerable groups through volunteering programs. She is a member of the Minister for Volunteering’s Community Reference Group where her leadership has contributed positively to succession planning and long-term strategic successes for multiple organisations.
Finalists
- Leeanne Bates, Hope Community Services (York)
- Suzanne Wetherall, Dress for Success Perth (Perth)
Presented by INVOLVE
WA Volunteer for Multicultural Communities
2023 WINNER – SUSANNE BECKER-HAMERSLEY | Bunbury Multicultural Group
Originally from Germany, Susanne Becker-Hamersley has been involved with the Bunbury Multicultural Group for the past seven years previously holding roles of secretary, Vice Chair, and now Chair. The Group organises the largest annual multicultural festival in the South West.
Finalists
- Belinda Wong, Asian Australian Lawyers Association and Lighthouse Club
- Karla Benitez, Umbrella Multicultural Community Care
Presented by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
WA Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering
2023 WINNER – AMANDA DRAPER | South West Mathematics Association and St John Ambulance
Volunteering started early for Amanda when she would volunteer after school at Bunbury Nursing Home. Outside her full-time employment as Head of Mathematics at a Bunbury school, Amanda volunteers on governing boards, fundraises for cancer research groups, coaches soccer and basketball, tutors students, volunteers with St John Ambulance, and is the volunteer President of the South West Mathematics Association of WA. Her volunteering extends all around Bunbury and the South West, with many locals feeling the benefit of her impact. In addition to her volunteering, Amanda has been a Foster Carer for 19 years, caring for over 60 children.
Finalists
- Barbara Groves, St John Ambulance WA & the Katanning Community
- John Connell, University of WA Little Athletics Centre, Wembley Football Club and Leederville Sporting Club
Presented by Silverchain
WA Young Volunteer of the Year
2023 WINNER – SAMUEL THOMAS | Sam’s Spares
19-year-old Samuel Thomas co-founded the 100 per cent volunteer-run organisation, Sam’s Spares, to aid in reducing the amount of e-waste sent to landfill, refurbishing second hand devices and distributing them at no cost to the community. Over the past 12-months, Sam has taken in almost 46 tonnes of e-waste; diverted 28 tonnes of ewaste away landfill; and refurbished/reused 919 pieces of IT. With a lived experience of Autism and Tourettes Syndrome, Sam strives to overthrow stigmas and limitations put upon the neurodivergent community – proving that anyone with a passion and purpose can be a Change Maker.
Finalists
- Leo McHugh, Bull Creek Library – City of Melville
- Talei Williams, Ignite Mentoring and Youth Advocate
- Laura Ives-Hick, Girl Guides and National Council of Women
Presented by the Stan Perron Foundation
WA Excellence in Corporate Volunteering
2023 WINNER – REIWA
The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) empowers communities through its corporate volunteering programs. Nominated by The Salvation Army, REIWA supports the organisation through corporate volunteering, helping to connect 81 real estate agencies across WA with the Salvos to help mobilise volunteers, resources and support for people experiencing homelessness. REIWA agents support The Salvation Army on the front line supporting vulnerable Western Australians. REIWA and its members are committed to be actively involved in WA communities and are making a real difference to those in need – they are The Salvation Army’s first point of call for urgent volunteers.
Finalists
- Bankwest
- PageGroup WA
Presented by NeonLogic
WA Community Volunteer Organisation of the Year
2023 WINNER – FRIENDS OF THE COMMUNITY INC
With 45 active volunteers ranging from 12 – 84 years of age, Friends of the Community has a strong focus on bringing the whole family into volunteering, and can have three generations of one family volunteering at their events. Friends of the Community is an association made up of dedicated volunteers, and through profits from its volunteer-run food trucks, has helped the community with over $180,000 in donations. Despite the slowing of events due to the pandemic, Friends of the Community volunteers have been able to fund new programs to help new migrants learn to swim, provide food and kitchen equipment to homelessness programs, and raise and donate thousands to charities.
Finalists
- Invisible Illnesses Inc
- Rotary of Elizabeth Quay
Presented by Lotterywest
RAC WA Volunteer of the Year
2023 WINNER – RAHUL SETH | Activate Mental Health
Rahul Seth founded Activate Mental Health and leads a team of 30 volunteers who deliver over 360 events each year to help reduce isolation for people with mental health difficulties. Rahul is a passionate and dedicated individual who is filling a need in the community for those who are the most vulnerable. He has provided a platform for fun volunteering opportunities and promotes the importance of community and social connection for positive mental wellbeing. Rahul Seth believes the key to mental health recovery and living a happy life is developing social connections through meetups, events and volunteering.
Finalists
- Amanda Draper, South West Mathematics Association and St Johns
- Bradley Miller, Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre
Presented by RAC
Congratulations to the truly-deserving WA Volunteer of the Year Award recipients. Winners were announced at the Gala Dinner at Crown Perth on Thursday 18 May 2023.
The 2022 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards event was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
WA Volunteer of the Year
2021 WINNER – JOANNE POLLARD | Radio Lollipop, Timor Leste Vision, Homeless Connect, Spirits of the Street
Joanne Pollard exemplifies the volunteering ethos and has volunteered for thirty years working with the most vulnerable in our community. Through her involvement with Radio Lollipop; Timor Leste Vision; Homeless Connect Perth; and Spirit of the Streets Choir, Joanne has served in many roles including program coordinator, treasurer, secretary, fundraiser, and advocate, and has been instrumental in developing meaningful programs that positively benefit as many people as possible.
Jo’s empathy for others reaches across all sections of the community. She is an advocate for breaking down barriers and has directly impacted the lives of so many. Congratulations Joanne Pollard, the incredibly deserving recipient of the 2021 Western Australia Volunteer of the Year Award.
Finalists
- Leah Atkinson, Operation Sunshine WA, Chairperson
- Toby Morrell, Quinns Rocks Junior Cricket Club, Director of Coaching
Presented by the Minderoo Foundation
WA Youth Volunteer of the Year
2021 WINNER – RILEY DOLMAN | Fair Game
Riley Dolman volunteers with Fair Game; a not-for-profit organisation that aims to improve access to sports and healthy lifestyle choices in under-serviced communities throughout rural and remote Western Australia.
Riley trained as a Fair Game volunteer in 2017 and started taking part in regional trips to deliver health education and fitness programs to children in remote communities across Western Australia. He quickly progressed to be a Senior Fair Gamer and Trip Leader, taking charge of teams of volunteers for week-long regional trips. As well as being a Trip leader, Riley holds a volunteer position on Fair Game’s Board of Directors where he acts as Secretary, and attends and contributes to monthly Board meetings. Riley is a fantastic role model and provides inspiration to Fair Game’s volunteers, participants and the local Kununurra community where he is now based.
Finalists
- Anthea Cheong, Teach Learn Grow, Executive Team
- Joshua Heath, Port Hedland Volunteer Fire and Rescue Brigade
Presented by the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation
WA Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering
2021 WINNER – SANDRA LYMBERY | Coral Bay Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
Sandra has dedicated 20 years to Coral Bay Volunteer Marine Rescue and 18 years to Coral Bay Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services. She also drives ambulances with St John WA and was essential in establishing a joint multipurpose facility that houses all of the community’s emergency services.
As a hub for off-shore and remote workers, and a premier tourism spot along the Ningaloo Coast, Coral Bay’s transient community presents a unique and challenging operating environment for emergency services. Taking on both formal and informal volunteer roles, Sandra is often the first point of contact for emergencies in the area, and is recognised as is a leader not only in her community but also as an emergency services volunteer.
Finalists
- Geoffrey Dutton, nominated by Community of Christ
- Joan Sutherland, nominated by The Haven Centre
Presented by Silverchain
WA Excellence in Volunteer Management
2021 WINNER – MARION MITCHELL | Esperance Home Care
Marion has been the Volunteer Coordinator at Esperance Home Care for 20 years, and is responsible for the recruitment, training and management of more than 140 volunteers. Last year, Esperance Home Care’s volunteers provided over 9,500 hours of service across its programs.
Marion is passionate about supporting and encouraging the volunteer workforce and the results are evident by their longevity and enjoyment in the work they provide.
It is through Marion’s dedication, passion and deft hand at managing such a large group of volunteers, that clients and the wider Esperance community are able to benefit from such a service.
Finalists
- Benjamin Day, Salvation Army Emergency Services, State Coordinator WA
- Tim Law, Juniper, Volunteer Coordinator
Presented by the Department of Communities
WA Corporate Volunteer of the Year
2021 WINNER – WOODSIDE ENERGY
Woodside is a corporate leader in employee volunteering. They were one of the first Australian organisations to provide paid volunteering leave, is a founding member and Chair of the Corporate Volunteer Council, and a corporate representative on the Minister’s Volunteering Community Reference group. Before the pandemic slowed their programs, Woodside celebrated its most significant year, with close to 2,000 employees volunteering over 11,000 hours. Woodside’s corporate leadership in volunteering has ensured that the organisations they work with can better serve their clients and communities, many of which are experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage.
Finalists
- Allen & Overy
- South32 Worsley Alumina
Presented by NeonLogic
WA Community Volunteer Organisation of the Year
2021 WINNER – TEACH LEARN GROW
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2021, Teach Learn Grow is a volunteer-led, grassroots organisation with the mission to bridge the education gap for students experiencing disadvantage in rural and remote Australian communities. With two fulltime staff and 3 part time staff, Teach Learn Grow has morphed into an organisation run largely by 60+ passionate, high-achieving and skilled volunteers. Their volunteers take on an internship-style role for a period of 6 months to 4 years, and support the organisation across any of their 13 teams, including marketing, recruitment, finance, university engagement, and education.
Over 2,500 volunteers have helped Teach Learn Grow become the organisation it is today, and given them the ability to impact thousands of students across in more than 40 WA communities.
Finalists
- Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women
- Read Write Now
Presented by Lotterywest
WA Volunteer for Multicultural Communities
2021 WINNER – TRISTAN KOLAY
Nominated by the Rotary of Elizabeth Quay, Tristan personifies Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self. Tristan is a champion for, and within, our multicultural communities through his volunteer involvement with Rotary, Australian Army Reserve, the Malaysian Singaporean Catholic Community, and volunteer fire and emergency services.
Through the Rotary of Elizabeth Quay, Tristan organised the Migrant Refugee Upskilling Program, partnering with local employment agencies, recruiters, TAFE, language centres, and individuals with shared experiences, to facilitate a series of workshops that helped improve communication skills, social connection, training, and resume-writing, for new Australian families from Syria, Jordan and Iraq. Tristan actively empowers and supports Western Australia’s multicultural communities, and is the deserving 2021 Volunteer for Multicultural Communities recipient.
Finalists
- Hoda Kabbara, United in Diversity, Treasurer
- Kathy Fagan, ACRATH WA, Co-Ordinator
Presented by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
Spirit of Volunteering Award
2021 PEOPLES’ CHOICE WINNER – MAURICE BECKER
Maurice has always volunteered in Wagin and around the district. He first became involved in the Wagin Woolorama in 1955 and is still volunteering 66 years later. Maurice volunteered for the Wagin Rotary Club for 38 years and was the official time keeper for the Wagin Football Club for 30 years and held many other roles. In his younger years, he was the President of the Farmers Association and has always been a member of the South West Ward of the Wagin Bush Fire Brigade. He has also volunteered with the Wagin Historical Village for many years.
Maurice is affectionately known to many around Wagin as Uncle Maurie. At 91 years of age, he is still heavily involved with the Wagin Woolorama and was given a Life Membership in 1992. He doesn’t stop and is a wonderful reliable source for the history of Wagin and the farming areas.
Finalists
- Barry Evans – Albany Primary School
- Beth Wright – Pets of Older Persons (POOPS)
- Jamie Brindle – Bicycles for Humanity (WA) Inc.
- Joan Sutherland – The Haven Centre
- Leah Atkinson – Operation Sunshine WA
- Lynne Blackman – Roleystone Netball Club
- Margie Oldfield – Team Connect WA
- Renee Knapp – Boyup Brook Community Mental Health Action Team (CoMHAT)
- Wayne Hatton – Tom Price Bush Fire Brigade and Tom Price Fire and Rescue Services (DFES)
Presented by ABC Radio
The 2020 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards event was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, and all nominations were transferred over to our 2021 program.