Giveback Getdown fundraiser: Visitors to tip their hats to Walpole volunteers

• Sweet Water and The Nomadics will be performing at the 2025 Giveback Getdown on May 24, along with a wacky hat competition, silent auction and kids entertainment.
• All proceeds from the party fundraiser will go to St John Walpole sub centre to get early works and planning underway for a new building that is fit-for-purpose.
• Walpole has 24 volunteer ambulance officers and operational support members, who respond to between 80 to 100 jobs a year.

Faced with increased tourism and surge in visitor numbers, volunteers at Walpole sub centre are hoping to raise much-needed funds through an annual Giveback Getdown party fundraiser to build a new sub centre.

The Walpole Country Club will come alive from 5pm on May 24 with the sounds of Sweet Water and The Nomadics, a bonfire, wacky hat competition, silent auction, kids entertainment and hearty local fare.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the sub centre, with organiser and St John WA volunteer support member Mala Haslem hoping more tickets can be sold to reach the goal of $15,000 to get early works and planning underway.

“A new facility would provide a dedicated, modern space for volunteers, vehicles, and equipment, which is crucial for sustaining emergency response, training, and long-term volunteer recruitment in our remote town,” Mala said.

“Walpole is so remote it doesn’t have its own hospital, so all community patient transfers require significant travel to Denmark, Albany, or beyond.

“This also means that we don’t generate income from hospital transfers. We also don’t receive financial support from local footy clubs or major community organisations, simply because we don’t have them in our small town.”

Walpole has 24 volunteer ambulance officers and operational support members, who respond to between 80 to 100 jobs a year, which supports tens of thousands of visitors to the region, as well as residents.

“Our volunteers handle a wide range of cases, from road traffic accidents and medical emergencies and Community Transport Services to medical appointments,” Mala said.

“Walpole is facing increased tourism and trail usage, especially with the multimillion-dollar upgrades to the Munda Biddi Trail and other wilderness attractions nearby, which are expected to surge visitor numbers and benefit a number of hospitality and tourism businesses.

“This event is about raising awareness of St John Walpole’s unique operational challenges within the community, just as much as it is about raising money.”

Tickets for the event are now available to purchase.

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