Dedicated young Lancelin volunteer wins major WA award

St John WA volunteer Bree Del Borrello, 25, is devoted to her community. 

Bree has now won ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’ in the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards. 

A Lancelin local and enrolled nurse, she volunteers as an Emergency Medical Technician at the Lancelin Sub Centre alongside her partner, Tyler, and mother-in-law, Tonya. 

She debated whether to join St John WA for a while until her mother-in-law convinced her to take the plunge three years ago. 

In her first year as a volunteer, Bree did over 200 hours, and has now clocked up more than 1,000 volunteer hours. 

“I think Bree is deserving of this award because of the effort she’s put in – and she just doesn’t stop,” said Bob James, Chairperson of the Lancelin Sub Centre.

And with strong mentors around her, like Lancelin Community Paramedic Donelle Kinnon, who nominated her for the award, Bree is committed to delivering the best in pre-hospital care for her community. 

“Pre-hospital care is just one of the most rewarding things.  

“You often see people in town saying, ‘Thank you so much, I really appreciate you.’  

“Even if it was just for a cut finger.  

“You just know that you’ve made that person’s day because you were able to help them,” Bree said. 

One of the most rewarding parts of volunteering is feeling connected to the community she calls home. 

“One day I want to work in my community as a registered nurse – I think these skills are vital to build that connection,” she said. 

Alongside the learning and training, there can be tough moments as a rural volunteer.  

A tight-knit community, teammates and family help make it possible for people like Bree. 

Bree and Tonya were recently called out to a road traffic accident where the driver sustained horrific injuries. 

Being on the job with her mother-in-law meant they could support each other while providing the best possible care for the patient – a moment she will remember forever. 

“If volunteering is something you’re thinking about, what’s stopping you?” Bree said.  

“Just get into it – it’s the most rewarding thing someone can do.” 

Inspired by Bree? Volunteer with St John WA today.