Mental health champions, legal advocates, emergency responders and dementia supporters | 2026 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards Finalists Announced

Twenty-one WA volunteers, organisations, and managers named as 2026 WA Volunteer of the Year Award Finalists, selected from more than 240 nominations.

From Derby to Dalyellup, Finalists represent many sectors of volunteering, including health, emergency response, aged care, law, human rights, mental health and domestic violence services.

The WA Volunteer of the Year Awards honour some of the incredible people and organisations who make a significant impact to the community through volunteering. As the peak body for volunteering within Western Australia, Volunteering WA is proud to host the Awards each year.

1.5 million people from across Western Australia give back through volunteering, and with 2026 being named International Volunteer Year by the United Nations, it is more important than ever that they be celebrated for their contributions.

The 2026 Winners will be announced at the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards on Thursday 14 May, ahead of National Volunteer Week (18-24 May 2026). Tickets are now on sale for the event.

Read about each of the finalists at awards.volunteeringwa.org.au.

On behalf of Volunteering WA and our Award Partners, congratulations and best of luck to all finalists.

WA Inclusive Volunteering Award
Presented by the Minderoo Foundation

Recognising organisations that have made significant strides in promoting inclusivity, honouring their efforts to create welcoming environments and broaden participation within their volunteer cohorts.

• Befriend (Perth)
• Invisible Illnesses (East Rockingham)
• Marine Rescue Derby (Derby)

WA Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering
Presented by Advocare

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.

• Dr Atul Kumar Garg JP – Neighbourhood Watch WA, Federation of Indian Associations of WA (FIAWA), IETE Australia, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) (Melville)
• Lin Doust – YMCA of WA (The Y) (Melville)
• Tina Baldwin – Lifeline WA Bedford)

WA Young Volunteer of the Year
Presented by the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation

The WA Young Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates a young person aged 16 – 30 years old who has made an outstanding voluntary commitment throughout 2025 and who through their volunteering has positively impacted and inspired those around them.

• Ellie Vrankovich – Citizens Advice Bureau WA (Melville)
• Isabella Chalker – Bethanie Dalyellup, Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre, Zonta Club (Dalyellup)
• Jessica Yugovich – The Aliyah Mae Foundation (Forrestfield)

WA Corporate Volunteering Impact Award
Presented by Bankwest

Celebrates a volunteer-based partnership between a corporate and a not-for-profit organisation, where their alignment in values and goals delivers lasting impact for their communities.

• Alcoa Australia & Foodbank WA
• Mineral Resources & Dandelions WA
• RAC WA & WA Wildlife

WA Community Volunteer Organisation of the Year
Supported by Lotterywest

Celebrating a Western Australian volunteer-involving organisation that achieves significant, lasting impact through effective volunteer engagement and programs, leading to positive change within their community.

• Forget-Me-Not Dementia Support (Roleystone)
• Little Things for Tiny Tots (Yokine)
• MAN UP WA (Crawley)

RAC WA Volunteer of the Year
Presented by RAC

Celebrating an individual who has made an exemplary voluntary contribution throughout 2025, and has demonstrated a profound commitment to improving the lives of others through their volunteering efforts.

• Anthea Lawrence – Little Things for Tiny Tots (Shenton Park)
• Kerrie Overell – WestAus Crisis & Welfare Services (Mandurah)
• Maryann Tsai – Reach Her (Como)