Mandurah Volunteers Honoured with Nominations for 2026 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards
Two dedicated volunteers from Mandurah, Kerrie Overell and Leandri Cronje, have been officially nominated for the prestigious 2026 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards. Their nominations celebrate their unwavering commitment to assisting locals facing food insecurity and enhancing community welfare through various volunteer initiatives.
Kerrie Overell: A Lifetime of Service and Compassion
Kerrie Overell, the volunteer co-ordinator at WestAus Crisis & Welfare Service, has been nominated for the Volunteer of the Year category. She stands alongside two other Western Australian volunteers, all recognised for demonstrating a profound dedication to improving lives through selfless service.
Sandy Harvey, CEO of WestAus, expressed immense pride in Ms Overell's nomination, stating that it is well-deserved. "Kerrie is truly one of a kind, and we know that she has the full support of the community with this nomination," Ms Harvey said. "She continues to significantly contribute to the community in a voluntary capacity with true heart, passion, and dedication."
Ms Overell's volunteer work spans many years and includes a diverse range of activities. She has supported local seniors, ministers, and chaplains at Barefoot Ministry, and has been instrumental in the annual Christmas Hamper program. Additionally, she has coordinated the Healthy Breakfast Club since 2008 and the Refresh Shower facility since 2018, managing volunteers and overseeing day-to-day operations for these critical programs.
Reflecting on her motivation, Ms Overell shared, "To be a volunteer, you need to have a heart for others, not to get glory for yourself." She added, "If I were to win the award, I would know that I have achieved the biggest thing I aim to do, which is helping people and showing respect to all. I feel very honoured and very blessed to be nominated."
Leandri Cronje: Excellence in Volunteer Management
Leandri Cronje, the operations manager for the Bridge Builders program, has been nominated for the Excellence in Volunteer Management category. She is recognised alongside two other WA volunteers for her outstanding dedication, leadership, and innovation in managing volunteer programs throughout 2025.
As the school program co-ordinator for Bridge Builder's Backpack Buddies program, Ms Cronje plays a pivotal role in providing food to 220 children across the Peel region each week. Her responsibilities include recruiting, onboarding, and training volunteers, making her role a significant undertaking in a small grassroots charity.
"It feels really humbling, and a little bit scary, to be in the spotlight and be nominated," Ms Cronje admitted. "I'm usually someone who prefers being behind the scenes, supporting our incredible team and our Backpack Brigade who show up week after week. What makes this really special is knowing it reflects something much bigger than me. It represents a whole community of people working together to support local kids and families."
Awards Ceremony and Community Impact
The winners of the 2026 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards will be announced on May 14, ahead of National Volunteer Week, which runs from May 18 to 24. This event highlights the crucial role volunteers play in society.
Ms Cronje emphasised the importance of such recognitions, noting, "Through programs like Backpack Buddies, we see how volunteering not only supports children in need but also builds strong connections and friendships among those giving their time. That sense of community has a lasting impact." She further stated, "Winning the award would mean a lot on a personal level, but more than anything, it would reflect the whole Backpack Buddies community. I'm incredibly grateful to be part of something that makes such a real difference in people's lives."
These nominations underscore the vital contributions of volunteers in Mandurah and across Western Australia, showcasing how individual efforts can collectively foster stronger, more supportive communities.
