“He has the biggest heart”: Meet the 2025 WA Volunteer of the Year

Brian Gallop never intended to become a St John WA volunteer – but after organising the setup of a sub centre in the Goldfields town of Sandstone back in 1998, he was hooked.  

He has now won RAC ‘Volunteer of the Year’ in the WA Volunteer of the Year awards. 

The award celebrates ‘an individual who has made an exemplary voluntary contribution and has demonstrated a profound commitment to improving the lives of others through their volunteering efforts’.  

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.  

He is a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) worker who spends his down time lending his endless skills, experience and enthusiasm to St John sub centres across WA. 

Brian also commits his time to knitting sensory aids for people with dementia and autism. 

Winning the award was a huge shock for Brian. 

“I am still coming to terms with the award and the absolute honour that it brings with it.  

“To be recognised amongst such amazing people is unbelievable,” he said. 

Brian is one of more than 4,000 volunteers at St John WA and believes his award is not just a win for him, but for volunteering as a whole. 

“For me it’s an absolute privilege to be able to volunteer with St John WA in rural and regional WA, to work alongside incredible people that have families, jobs, commitments – and yet they all drop them in a heartbeat when called upon to assist someone,” said Brian. 

It is not just the other St John WA volunteers that have impacted him, it is also the patients and people he’s helped along the way.  

He once sat on the floor of a local lock-up, comforting a young person who was worried about his future. 

“He didn’t need much – just a hug and someone to tell him he had hope,” Brian says.  

“That moment changed both of us and will remain with me forever.” 

For Allison Rayner, St John WA Volunteer Experience Business Partner, it was only natural for Brian to win such a prestigious award. 

“Brian epitomises compassion, leadership, knowledge and skills – he has the biggest heart,” said Allison. 

“All he does is for everyone else.” 

Brian has plenty of advice for anyone thinking of volunteering. 

“Find what you love and do it – whether it’s with St John WA or somewhere else. 

“We, as volunteers, can change the world and make it a better place. 

“Worst case scenario? You become obsessed and end up volunteering thousands of hours a year,” said Brian. 

Volunteer with St John WA today.