St John WA volunteer nominated for prestigious national award

St John WA’s Brian Gallop has been nominated for Australian Volunteer of the Year.

Run by Volunteering Australia, this inaugural award recognises the volunteer achievements of individuals across the country and celebrates ‘the people who keep communities alive’.

As Western Australia’s current Volunteer of the Year, Brian was put forward to represent the state in the national awards.

A highly experienced Volunteer Development Officer and Emergency Medical Technician, Brian has committed almost 30 years of service to emergency response, volunteer training, fundraising and community outreach all over Western Australia.

Since last year’s award win, Brian has taken on a new paid role, requiring him to shift some of his volunteering commitments to the metropolitan area.

As well as focusing on his charity which creates sensory aids for people with dementia and autism, and supporting local carers, Brian has now signed up to volunteer with St John WA’s Community Transport Services and Event Health Services so he can still give as much as he can – but a bit closer to home.

Brian’s dedication to country ambulance volunteering remains strong though, with stints in Eucla and Coral Bay among the highlights of his past year.

“Although my ability to volunteer across rural and remote areas has decreased due to living and working in Perth, I will always continue to volunteer there as much as I can,” Brian said.

“No matter where I go across the state, it is such a privilege to be welcomed into the town and made to feel part of the community.”

Heading to the national awards will top off a life-changing year for Brian, and he will proudly represent St John WA at the awards reception at Government House in Canberra in May.

“To be named a finalist in the inaugural Australian Volunteer of the Year awards is surreal and I don’t think that I have fully processed it,” Brian said.

“To shed light on the power of volunteering can only increase volunteer numbers across the nation.

“The amount of time people give without question and hesitation is inspiring and makes me want to be a better person.”

Brian’s mum, Mavis, has also served as inspiration for his dedication to others.

“I know that my dear mum would be so proud as it was one of the things she said to me as we walked the journey of dementia,” he said.

“She wanted me to continue volunteering once her journey was done and that promise I gave her.”

Brian is an Officer of the Order of St John.

He also won the inaugural VESPIIA National Ministers Award for Volunteering and was a finalist in the 2025 WA Mental Health Ministers Award.