Wheatbelt North’s finest volunteers celebrated at St John awards
St John WA volunteers have been celebrated at the 2026 Wheatbelt North Volunteer Recognition Awards.
The awards are dedicated to acknowledging the exceptional contributions of St John WA volunteers across the region and the impact they make in their communities.
From Northam to Jurien Bay, they work across a variety of roles, including community transport, volunteer development and emergency response.
Each volunteer award celebrates individuals and teams who exemplify the core values of the organisation – Lead with Heart, Think Team, Make It Better, and Walk the Talk.
Awards were presented across six categories, each recognising excellence in a distinct area of volunteer service.
The winners were announced at a special event at the Muchea Recreation Centre on Saturday 18 July 2026.
Community Transport Volunteer Recognition Award
Winner: Richard Malek – Jurien Bay
Finalists: Pamela Tennant – Toodyay, Brian Warrener – Toodyay
Volunteer Support Role Recognition Award
Winner: Michael Balcombe – Lancelin
Finalists: Suzanne Carr – Goomalling, Anna Maden – Northam
Volunteer Recognition Award
Winner: Jay Hammond – Wyalkatchem
Finalists: Fiona Cusens – Jurien Bay, Brian Warrener – Toodyay
Academy Leader Recognition Award
Winner: Nelle Marwood – Wundowie
Finalists: Natasha Clements – Northam, Steven Douglas – Northam
Sub Centre Committee Recognition Award
Winner: Cervantes Sub Centre Committee
Finalists: Dalwallinu Sub Centre Committee, Victoria Plains Sub Centre Committee
Sub Centre Recognition Award
Winner: Kununoppin Sub Centre
Finalists: Morangup Sub Centre, Dowerin Sub Centre
St John WA Acting District Operations Manager – Wheatbelt North, Jessica Forsythe, was thrilled to bring volunteers together from across the region.
“Across Wheatbelt North, our volunteers serve communities stretching from Cervantes, Jurien Bay and Lancelin, through Chittering-Gingin, Dandaragan, Dalwallinu, Moora and Victoria Plains, across Goomalling, Toodyay, Morangup and Wundowie, through Dowerin, Wyalkatchem, Wongan Hills, Kununoppin, Kellerberrin, Southern Cross, Merredin, Woodridge and Northam, including our sub-branches,” Jessica said.
“No matter which sub centre or station our volunteers call home, they are part of one Wheatbelt North team, united by a shared purpose to care for others when needed most.
“One of the things I admire most about our Wheatbelt North volunteers is that they don’t just respond to emergencies, they help build stronger communities.”
Event partners included Tree Tech Australia, Community Bank Goomalling, Mukinbudin, Toodyay and surrounding branches, Shire of Northam, Skydive Jurien Bay, Shire of Chittering, Hon. Rob Horstman MLC, Lobster Shack, Mukinbudin Hotel, The Moustachery, Lachlan Hunter MP, Haven Boutique & Gifts, Hall-All Contracting & Civil Earthmoving, Dallcon, Moora Motel, Avery Building & Co and The Local Larder of Bindoon.
All nominees were nominated by their peers and selected by an independent judging panel from an external St John WA district.
Congratulations to all winners and finalists and thank you to every St John WA volunteer for making a real difference in the community.
