Volunteer Sundowner

Formerly known as the Community Champion Awards, the Town's Volunteer Sundowner is a relaxed evening dedicated to celebrating the volunteers who give so much to our community.

It’s our chance to recognise the individuals and groups whose generosity, time and care help make our Town such a vibrant place to live.

This year's event took place at Baillie Hill's The Long Hall on Friday 22 May.

Winners

A huge congratulations to our 2026 winners:

Young Volunteer

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Leon Stevens

Leon has volunteered with the Vic Park Young Leaders for three years, growing from a quiet young person into a confident, empathetic leader with a passion for supporting others, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community. In 2025, he MC'd Neon Fest and independently created and delivered a hugely successful Youth Week event called Cosy Crafternoon, demonstrating the initiative and compassion he carries through everything he does.

Local Volunteer

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Debbee Campbell

Despite being new to Australia, Debbee has made a profound impact at the Victoria Park Community Centre, supporting food relief, meal preparation, playgroup activities, and event coordination with warmth and compassion. She draws on her own lived experience to connect with vulnerable community members and frequently contributes her own time and resources without seeking recognition.

Group Volunteer

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Connect Village Hub

For eight years, Connect Village Hub’s volunteers have supported older residents in Victoria Park through weekly community lunches, classes in languages, craft, writing, music, and more, as well as one-on-one assistance. Their volunteers have contributed over 28,000 hours of service, creating a vibrant space where older community members can connect, learn, and thrive. 

Nominees

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination — we were blown away by the incredible contributions across our community.

Young (under 25 years)

  • Aiden Potter
    Aiden volunteers weekly at VisAbility, using his talent, empathy and dedication to support dancers with disabilities and create an inclusive space where confidence and skills can flourish.
  • Leon Stevens
    Leon has grown over three years with the Vic Park Young Leaders into a confident and compassionate leader, championing inclusion and delivering standout youth events that support and connect the local community.

Local

  • Debbee Campbell
    Debbee has made a meaningful impact at Victoria Park Community Centre, supporting food relief, programs and events with compassion while using her lived experience to connect with and uplift vulnerable community members.
  • Derek Brock
    In just one year, Derek has become a cornerstone of Curtin University Rugby Club, stepping up from volunteer duties to lead bar and kitchen operations with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm.
  • Jo Walker-Smith
    Jo is the driving force behind the Vic Park Collective Shed, leading its volunteer-run Library of Things to reduce waste and emissions while supporting the community through hands-on commitment, organisation and mentorship.
  • Joshua Renshaw
    Josh has dedicated five years to Curtin University Rugby Club, now serving as president and fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment that has transformed the club into a true community hub.
  • Kate Djurkovic
    Kate has dedicated eight years to Victoria Park Xavier Hockey Club, serving as Treasurer while leading sponsorship, communications and on-field performance to support a financially strong and inclusive club.
  • Kirsty Douglas
    For over a decade, Kirsty has supported hundreds of young people through Carlisle Scout Group as a dedicated leader, now stepping into the Group Leader role and driving positive change while building life skills, confidence and community spirit.
  • Renee Darbyshir
    Over four years as Board Chair, Renee has provided steady, values-driven leadership to Victoria Park Community Centre, guiding its strategic growth while fostering a culture of collaboration, trust and strong governance.
  • Robyn Cooper
    For 19 years, Robyn has supported Victoria Park Library through Books on Wheels and family history sessions, using her self-taught skills and generosity to help community members connect with their past.
  • Suzanne Borrett
    Suzanne has contributed five years of leadership to Victoria Park Swimming Club, strengthening its future through strategic planning and grant funding while fostering confidence and team spirit both in and out of the pool.

Group

  • Connect Village Hub
    For eight years, Connect Village Hub volunteers have created a vibrant, supportive space for older residents through community programs and over 28,000 hours of service that foster connection, learning and wellbeing.
  • Friends of Jirdarup Bushland Inc
    Friends of Jirdarup Bushland have spent 26 years protecting the Jirdarup Precinct through advocacy, education, and on-ground programs, securing over $100,000 in grants, reducing Town maintenance costs, and earning recognition as the 2021 Vic Park Community Citizen of the Year.
  • Guide Dogs WA
    For 75 years, Guide Dogs WA has relied on 265 volunteers to support every stage of a guide dog’s journey, delivering a life-changing service to Western Australians with vision impairment.
  • Victoria Park Bunting Library
    This volunteer group unites community members aged 8 to 80 to create and share reusable bunting from recycled fabric, fostering connection, creativity and sustainability while earning strong community support and multiple award nominations.
  • Victoria Park Xavier Hockey Club Inc
    For 64 years, Victoria Park Xavier Hockey Club has brought together 700 members of all ages and abilities, with over 100 volunteers supporting its strong community, sporting success, and lasting contributions to local facilities and initiatives.
  • VisAbility WA
    For 113 years, VisAbility WA and its 123 volunteers have supported people with low or no vision through services including audiobook narration, braille transcription, and community programs that enable full participation in community life.

    Judging panel

    The Town would like to extend its sincere thanks to this year's judging panel, comprising of:

    This initiative is proudly supported by:

       

    Keen to learn more about volunteering in the Town?

    Volunteering

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