Outstanding St John WA volunteers recognised at Wheatbelt North awards
St John WA volunteers have been honoured at the inaugural 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 four categories, each recognising excellence in a distinct area of volunteer service.
The winners were announced at a special event at the Northam Country Club on Saturday 26 July.
Community Transport Volunteer Recognition Award
Winner: Anne Bouveng – Toodyay
Finalists: Bert Hollier – Jurien Bay, Leslie Lee – Northam
Volunteer Support Role Recognition Award
Winner: Terrie James – Lancelin
Finalists: Denis Lord – Wongan Hills, Ian Rennie – Cervantes
Volunteer Recognition Award
Winner: Monika Williams – Toodyay
Finalists: Emma Brooks – Dandaragan, Don Macpherson – Wongan Hills
Sub Centre Recognition Award
Winner: Woodridge Sub Centre
Finalists: Lancelin Sub Centre, Wongan Hills Sub Centre
Matt Doyle, Wheatbelt North District Operations Manager, organised the awards.
“At St John WA, we deeply value the dedication and impact of our volunteers, and we’re always looking for meaningful ways to celebrate their efforts,” he said.
“The Wheatbelt North Volunteer Recognition Awards gave us the chance to shine a spotlight on some incredible local achievements – from standout individuals and sub centres to the often-unsung heroes like our Community Transport Volunteers and Volunteer Support Officers.
“The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, and it was a privilege to hear so many powerful stories that reflect the heart of our values in action.”
Event sponsors included Wespray Boomsprays, Yerecoin Traders, AFGRI Equipment Mukinbudin, Turquoise Safaris, Goomalling and Districts Community Bendigo Bank, Toodyay and Districts Community Bendigo Bank, Mukinbudin and Districts Community Bendigo Bank, Northam Country Club, Yvette’s Cakes and Grazing Tables and Amber Balfour-Cunningham.
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.