WA Inclusive Volunteering Award Winners

“It was such a wonderful evening filled with appreciation and celebration. The room was buzzing with admiration for one another and for the incredible work happening across WA – so much goodness!

We genuinely didn’t expect to win, so hearing our name announced was a real surprise and delight. Terri, our friend and former Community Builder, was sitting at our table and had been quietly holding onto the news all evening. She knew we’d won because she’d been interviewed as part of the award process, and the look on her face when our name was called was absolutely priceless! Needless to say, she’s no longer ‘talkative Terri’ but ‘tightlipped Terri’ instead now.

This award feels really timely and energetic for us, like a big whoosh of wind. It’s really a recognition of the work we’ve done alongside the Befriend community over many years – all the conversations we’ve had, ideas, workshops, reflections, stories and shared learning that have helped us rethink what volunteering can look like so that everyone can make a contribution that feels meaningful. Formal volunteering and roles is just one way to give back; but there are really infinite possibilities when you start to break beyond that thinking and ask yourself different questions.

We believe every person in this community makes a valuable contribution to the lives of others. Whether it’s showing up, saving a seat, hosting a gathering, making the cuppas, checking in on a neighbour, cleaning up your local area, or offering your time, skills, and care in countless other ways, we are all helping to create a more connected and welcoming community.

I remember in one of our co-design workshops where we asked people what the concept of volunteering meant to them, we heard phrases like ‘giving back’, ‘a sense of two-ness’, ‘helping hands’, ‘showing up’ and ‘making a difference’, and so, really, by those very definitions… here’s to us all, volunteering and contributing in all the ways that count. Thank you for being part of it.”