Celebrating our volunteers & local heroes

Published on Friday, 5 June 2026 at 9:00:00 AM

Community members from across the Shire came together on Wednesday 20 May for a celebration at the VC Mitchell Park (VCMP) Community Club for National Volunteer Week 2026, with this year’s theme being Your Year to Volunteer. Organised by the Shire in collaboration with the Donnybrook Community Resource Centre (CRC), the event was a great success, with guests enjoying live entertainment, a delicious meal, and taking home native plants as a keepsake.

Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy said the highlight of the evening was presenting awards with Sue Martin, Manager of the Donnybrook CRC. Among the recipients were Raelean and Terry Bailey from Balingup in recognition of their support for walkers along the Bibbulmun Track. Andrew Scott from Mullalyup was also recognised for his leadership at the Balingup Small Farm Field Day held earlier this year, and for his ongoing service in the Mullalyup Bush Fire Brigade.

“This event is about recognising the incredible contributions our volunteers make to this community,” said President MacCarthy. “As the people who step forward, give your time freely, and support others in ways that truly make a difference, you embody the spirit of our Shire. Whether it’s through community groups, events, lending a hand to neighbours, or simply being there when it counts, you make the magic happen, and your efforts help create the place we are so proud to call home – this celebration is very well deserved, and I hope you know just how much we appreciate you.”

We are incredibly proud to have one of the highest rates of volunteering in all of Australia, with 2021 Census data* showing that of all our Shire residents aged 15+ years old, 23.2% formally volunteer for an organisation or group. In comparison, the national average rate is 14.2%, and for WA it’s 15.9% for WA (overall) – with volunteers at the heart of our community, we’re eager to see what the latest figures are from the next Census, which is happening this year.

The generosity, compassion, and dedication of our volunteers is deeply valued by the whole community. We appreciate your efforts and recognise the positive impact you have across the Shire every day. We look forward to building on this success and celebrating our local heroes through future events.

Congratulations to all recipients:

  • Raeleen & Terry Bailey
  • Andrew Scott
  • Tom Darby
  • Haylee Stutley
  • Rita Winkler
  • Carolyn Hayes
  • Judy Fitzgerald
  • Lee Fitzgerald (also a member of the Donnybrook CRC Committee – well done!)
  • Donnybrook CRC Committee – photo (from left to right): Judith Morrisey, John Ridgway, Madeline Kiernan-Smith – members not pictured: Christina Gammon, Sarah Kirkpatrick, Debbie Bourke, Lee Fitzgerald

This event was made possible thanks to the support of the Donnybrook CRC, and funding contributed by Volunteering WA and Lotterywest.

* See REMPLAN Community Profile 

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