Finalists Announced | 2025 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards

03/04/2025

Volunteering WA is proud to announce and congratulate Western Australia’s incredible 2025 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards finalists.

With 1.5 million volunteers in Western Australia, the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards program helps to celebrate some of the incredible people and organisations who make significant impact in the community through volunteering.

Across seven categories, 21 finalists were selected from over 230 inspiring nominations, celebrating volunteering in the Kimberley to the South West. Finalists represent many sectors, including emergency services, mental health support, youth mentorship, sport, tourism, and conservation.

The 2025 winners will be announced at the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards on 15 May, ahead of National Volunteer Week. 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.

2025 WA Volunteer of the Year Award Finalists

Excellence in Volunteer Management

Presented by AON

Presented in acknowledgment of a Volunteer Manager, salaried or non-salaried, who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and innovation in managing and delivering volunteer programs throughout 2024.

Jennifer Ball, Worthy Australia (Baldivis)
Lorrie Gray, WA Ostomy Association (Como)
May Bowden, St Vincent de Paul Society WA (Canning Vale)

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.

Reach Her (Como)
Umbrella Multicultual Community Care (Belmont)
WA All Abilities Football Association (Tuart Hill)

Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering

Presented by Advocare

Presented in honour of an individual who has made an exemplary life-long contribution to volunteering over the past 20 plus years, and who through their volunteering has contributed to the betterment of the Western Australian community.

Brother Thomas Oliver (Olly) Pickett AM, Wheelchairs for Kids (Perth)
Colin Longworth, Living Proud (Bayswater)
Nicole Kelly, Department of Fire and Emergency Services (Tom Price)

WA Young Volunteer of the Year

Presented by the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation

Celebrating a young person aged 16 – 30 years old who has made an outstanding voluntary commitment throughout 2024 and who through their volunteering has positively impacted and inspired those around them.

Bree Del Borrello, St John WA (Lancelin)
Grace Gatt-Lodding, Leading Youth Forward (Northbridge)
Millie Penman, SES, West Murray Bush Fire Brigade, Coastal Waste Warriors & Royal Australian Navy Cadets (Meadow Springs)

Corporate Volunteering Impact Award

Presented by NeonLogic

Celebrating a business in Western Australia that has made a significant impact on local community groups through its employee volunteering programs.

BHP (Perth)
Horizon Power (Bentley)
Woodside Energy (Perth)

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.

Busselton Hospice Care (West Busselton)
Care For Hedland Environmental Association (Port Hedland)
Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association (Rottnest Island)

RAC WA Volunteer of the Year

Presented by RAC

Celebrating an individual who has made an exemplary voluntary contribution throughout 2024, and has demonstrated a profound commitment to improving the lives of others through their volunteering efforts.

Brian Gallop ASM OStJ, St John WA (Carlisle)
Glenys Malatesta, Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade (Gelorup)
Kate Bettenay, Hero Hunter Foundation (Embleton)

The WA Volunteer of the Year Awards are hosted by Volunteering WA, with support from our Award Partners