Alcoa Peel Volunteer of the Year Award 2025
WINNER: PEEL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD – WINSTON RENNICK
For more than 27 years, Winston has been a pillar of support for individuals and families in financial hardship through his volunteer work as a Financial Counsellor and Emergency Relief volunteer with Vinnies WA.
His calm, respectful and non-judgmental approach ensures every client feels heard and valued, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Winston’s compassion is matched by his problem-solving skills. He works tirelessly to connect clients with essential resources, liaising with local agencies to provide coordinated support. His efforts have helped thousands of people facing crises such as rent arrears, utility disconnections and food insecurity. Clients consistently praise Winston for his empathy and ability to turn moments of despair into hope.
Beyond direct client support, Winston has mentored countless new volunteers and financial counsellors, sharing knowledge generously and strengthening Vinnies WA’s capacity to respond to community needs. His leadership by example fosters a culture of empathy, teamwork and respect.
Winston’s influence extends beyond individuals—he has contributed to systemic change, advocating for fairer practices among creditors, utilities and government agencies. Known for his humility and unwavering integrity, Winston embodies Vinnies’ mission and values every day, offering a hand up rather than a handout.
His lifelong commitment to service has transformed lives and inspired others to give back. Winston Rennick is a true inspiration to others and a deserving winner of the Peel Volunteer of the Year Award.
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WINNER: PEEL YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD – POPPY BIRD
Poppy Bird – Year 12 student Poppy Bird has made an outstanding contribution to the Mandurah community through her volunteer work with Fishability Inc., a not-for-profit organisation providing safe, inclusive and accessible fishing experiences for people living with disabilities.
Joining Fishability earlier this year as part of her SEDA College workplace learning program, Poppy was inspired by her mother’s work in the disability sector and wanted hands-on experience in an inclusive environment.
From her very first day, Poppy demonstrated enthusiasm, empathy, and a natural ability to connect with participants. She treats everyone with respect, prioritises safety and ensures every person feels valued—never talking down to anyone.
Her energy and positive attitude have not only enriched the experience for participants but also inspired older volunteers, proving how intergenerational volunteering strengthens community bonds. Poppy’s involvement has been transformative for herself, for Fishability and for those she serves.
She has shown leadership, compassion, and maturity well beyond her years, setting a powerful example for her peers.
At Fishability, we are proud to support young volunteers like Poppy, who represent the next generation of community leaders. Her commitment and impact highlight the incredible value of youth engagement in volunteering.
Poppy Bird’s dedication and genuine care have left a lasting impression on everyone she meets, making her an exceptional winner of the Alcoa Peel Youth Volunteer of the Year Award.
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WINNER: PEEL COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR AWARD – WESTAUS
WestAus relies on an incredible team of volunteers who make its diverse programs possible. These volunteers provide practical, compassionate support to people doing it tough across the Peel region.
In the Emergency Relief Program, volunteers assist clients by validating information and enabling urgent relief payments.
The Healthy Breakfast Club, operating in 15 schools, ensures children start their day with a nutritious meal. Volunteers coordinate supplies, recruit helpers and step in when needed to maintain continuity.
At the Refresh Shower Facility, open four mornings a week, volunteers provide dignity and care to people experiencing homelessness. They offer hot showers, fresh towels, toiletries, clean clothing and refreshments—often baking treats themselves. Every shower is cleaned after use and towels laundered, reflecting the respect and attention given to each visitor.
WestAus volunteers also play a vital role in the annual Christmas Hamper Program, coordinating food orders, managing client lists and overseeing distribution alongside a dozen community agencies. Their efforts ensure over 1,200 hampers and gifts reach families in need.
Behind every program is a network of volunteers who give their time generously, always with dignity and respect. Their commitment strengthens the Peel community and ensures no one is left behind.
WestAus volunteers embody the true spirit of service—quietly transforming lives through kindness and action and making our community stronger every single day.
Categories
All Mandurah/Peel region community groups, not-for-profit organisations, sporting clubs, schools and any other organisations working with volunteers are invited to recognise their volunteers by nominating them for the Alcoa Peel Volunteer of the Year Awards in one (or more) of the below categories.
Peel Volunteer of the Year
This Category is presented to an Individual who has made an outstanding and significant contribution as a volunteer to a community group, not-for-profit, sporting club or any other organisation working with volunteers.
Peel Youth Volunteer of the Year
Presented in celebration of an individual under 25 years old who has made an outstanding voluntary commitment, and who through their volunteering has positively impacted the lives of others.
Peel Community Group of the Year
Presented in celebration of a volunteer involving community organisation that provides innovative leadership and through good practice in volunteering, brings about positive and enduring change to their community.
Alcoa Peel Volunteer of the Year Awards
The awards recognise and celebrate dedicated volunteers who give their time, passion and expertise to our community.
Peel Volunteer Resource Centre recognises and appreciates the commitment and hard work that our volunteers contribute to making our community stronger.
2025 Nominations - Now Closed
Eligibility Criteria
- Nominee’s volunteering efforts must benefit the Peel region communities.
- Nominees must be from a not-for-profit community group, sporting club/association or other organisation working with volunteers in the Peel Region.
- If the nominee is under 18 years old, permission must be sought from a parent or guardian before submitting a nomination.
- Nominees can be nominated for more than one category, however, nominations need to be relevant to each category i.e. the same information cannot be used for multiple categories.
- Nominees for the Peel Youth Volunteer of the Year category must be under 25.
- Incomplete nominations or those submitted after the specified closing date will be ineligible for consideration.
- Nominees must not have been a finalist in the 2024 Alcoa Peel Volunteer of the Year Awards.
- A high-resolution current photo in a jpeg format of your nominee or logo for the community groups must be supplied for promotional purposes in media releases, website or other purposes for the promotion of volunteering.
- All nominees must give consent to be nominated before submitting a nomination.
Assessment Process
All nominations submitted will be assessed based on their merit by a judging panel consisting of:
- City of Mandurah Councillor
- Shire of Murray Councillor
- Shire of Waroona Councillor
The judging panel’s decision is final.
Finalists will be announced at the Awards Sundowner.
All nominees and their nominator will be invited to the Awards Sundowner with an invitation directly sent to them.
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