Life-savers, advocates, conservation warriors, and all-abilities volunteers named winners!

16/05/2025

From Lancelin, to Port Hedland, to Bayswater and in-between – 2025 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards winners announced
Seven winners selected from more than 230 nominations, recognising inspiring volunteers, organisations, and managers
The WA Volunteer of the Year Awards are hosted by Volunteering WA, the peak body for volunteering

Volunteering isn’t just a nice thing to do; volunteering in Western Australia powers our State; it’s at the heart of community life and keeps community services running.

Seven incredible volunteers, volunteer-involving organisations, and managers were recognised for their contributions and named the 2025 WA Volunteer of the Year Award recipients on 15 May, in front of 320 of their peers ahead of National Volunteer Week.

In 2025, 21 Finalists were shortlisted from 230 nominations; with Winners announced alongside special addresses from His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia; and the Hon Hannah Beazley MLA Minister for Volunteering.

Tina Williams, CEO of Volunteering WA, expressed her gratitude for all that volunteers give back to the WA community.

“Volunteering is a powerful force that brings people together to create stronger, more connected communities. Volunteering WA is proud to celebrate the 2025 WA Volunteer of the Year Award recipients, who exemplify the highest standards of service and altruism, proving that every individual has the power to create meaningful change,” Tina said.

“This year’s winners are ambassadors for connecting communities, and show us that with passion, dedication and selflessness, any one of us has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of others.”

Comments attributed to Volunteering Minister Hannah Beazley:

“The 2025 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards showcase the rich volunteering culture we have here in Western Australia, with this year’s winners hailing from the Pilbara, Wheatbelt and Perth metropolitan regions.

“These often quiet achievers each have an inspiring story to tell, and through their generosity of spirit and dedication to helping others, are making a real difference to our State.

“Volunteering brings people together and enriches our communities, making them stronger, more inclusive and better-connected places.

“These Awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible achievements of individuals and organisations across our volunteering sector, while encouraging others to give volunteering a go.”

The 2025 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards launched National Volunteer Week (19 – 25 May 2025). awards.volunteeringwa.org.au

2025 WA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
Hosted by Volunteering WA, the peak body for volunteering, the Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of volunteers and organisations across Western Australia, highlighting their impact on the social, cultural, economic, and environmental wellbeing of our communities.

WA Excellence in Volunteer Management Award
2025 Winner: May Bowden, St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies WA)
May Bowden, Manager of Volunteer Services at Vinnies WA, has helped transform the organisation’s volunteering culture. In 2024, she led initiatives that improved volunteer training, retention, and engagement. May introduced a variety of new programs, including creating new Learning Support Volunteering roles and employee assistance access for volunteers. Her work in creating a values-based team culture, recognising volunteers, and strengthening volunteer connections has led to improved retention and satisfaction. Through her compassionate leadership, May ensures volunteers feel supported, valued, and connected to the mission, helping Vinnies continue its essential work for people in need.

Presented by Aon

WA Inclusive Volunteering Award
2025 Winner: WA All Abilities Football Association

WA All Abilities Football Association was established to promote and grow disability football in Western Australia. They believe the game of football, together with being part of a team and community, builds an individual’s independence, wellbeing, self-esteem and life skills. In 2024, 5 paid staff, with over 590 volunteers contributed 7,696 hours across their Starkick program, and 29 community hubs ; showing how inclusion extends beyond the field, offering purpose and meaningful community engagement. Volunteers are integral to the success of these initiatives, contributing as coaches, mentors, and event organisers. The program is community-based, ensuring participants are fully integrated into local football clubs.
WA All Abilities’ volunteers come from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, parents, and youth, creating a strong, supportive environment.

Presented by the Minderoo Foundation

WA Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering
2025 Winner: Colin Longworth, Living Proud

Colin’s volunteer journey began in 1981 with Living Proud, inspired by his own experience of coming out in the late 1970s when homosexuality was still illegal and stigmatised. With no positive role models or reliable information, he understood the isolation many faced. Colin took great risks to offer support to others in the LGBTIQA+SB community, many experiencing abuse, discrimination, and ostracism. Over the past four decades, he has provided critical peer support, guidance, and training for new volunteers, helping Living Proud adapt through significant social, legal, and cultural changes. His long-standing commitment has been instrumental in creating a supportive space for those in need.

Presented by Advocare

WA Young Volunteer of the Year
2025 Winner: Bree Del Borrello, St John WA

25-year-old Bree is a dedicated volunteer and inspiring leader at St John Ambulance Lancelin. With over 1,000 operational hours and hundreds more spent mentoring and training new volunteers, she has made an extraordinary impact. Her calm, confident presence in high-pressure emergencies ensures the best outcomes for patients, while her leadership creates a welcoming and supportive volunteer community. Beyond frontline work, Bree passionately educates the public on first aid, engaging all ages in lifesaving skills. Her selfless contributions, mentorship, and commitment to public health make her an amazing role model and invaluable community asset.

Presented by the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation

Corporate Volunteering Impact Award
2025 Winner: Horizon Power

At Horizon Power, giving back isn’t just encouraged, it’s embraced. In 2024, employees dedicated over 2,100 hours to important causes, from supporting homelessness services to maintaining wildlife enclosures. With an incredible 108% increase in volunteering hours this financial year alone, Horizon Power’s commitment is stronger than ever. Executive-led initiatives, family-friendly volunteer days, and a deep sense of community spirit are driving real change – making a bigger difference than ever before.

Presented by NeonLogic

Community Volunteer Organisation of the Year
2025 Winner: Care For Hedland Environmental Association

Care For Hedland Environmental Association leads environmental conservation, sustainability, and education in Port Hedland. With 663 volunteers contributing 5,428 hours annually, the organisation drives impactful programs, including Flatback turtle monitoring, waste reduction, litter clean-ups, community gardening, and Containers for Change. Their efforts have saved over 39 million containers from landfill and safeguarded local biodiversity. Through school programs, public education, and hands-on environmental initiatives, Care For Hedland fosters a culture of sustainability and community engagement. Widely credited with preserving the region’s nesting Flatback turtles, the organisation continues to make a lasting impact on Port Hedland’s environment and future generations.

Supported by Lotterywest

RAC WA Volunteer of the Year
2025 Winner: Brian Gallop ASM OStJ, St John WA

Brian Gallop has devoted 30 years to volunteering with St John WA. During that time he has made an incredible impact through emergency medical response, volunteer training, community outreach, and much more. In 2024, Brian provided critical pre-hospital care in remote regions, travelling over 1,000 km during work breaks to assist isolated communities. As a Volunteer Development Officer, he led specialised training sessions and mentored volunteers, ensuring they were equipped to handle real-life emergencies. Additionally, Brian’s fundraising efforts have improved the resources and facilities of remote ambulance sub-centres, ensuring they remain operational.

Presented by RAC