Local Heroes & Volunteers

Nominated for being a highly valued and active volunteer at Walliston Primary School, Jason Turner is the latest winner of a City of Kalamunda Community Local Hero Award. Jason was presented with his award by Mayor Margaret Thomas JP at a recent school assembly.

Jason is regularly seen working behind the scenes and is the driver behind many major projects including a new bike rack, kitchen garden, installation of the STW9 Tower, 50th Anniversary signature bricks, sourcing materials, upcycling seating, and building gabion bench seats to address a request for seating by the Student Leadership team and to create a Yarning Circle for NAIDOC celebrations. He assisted the school gardener to prepare the school grounds for the bush fire season and installed picture display wires in all classrooms to showcase student work for the school’s open night.

“Walliston Primary School enrols families not just students. Parents and caregivers are at the heart of our school. I am so grateful for everything they do to support our school, whether that be fund-raising, supporting learning, or implementing significant school projects,” said Principal Craig Mainard.

Outside of the school, Jason supports the community as coach, runner or volunteer for the Gully’s basketball team, Kalamunda Tigers Year 5 football team and the Lesmurdie-Mazenod junior cricket team.

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP said, “Being actively involved in your child’s school and extra-curricular endeavors helps more than just one individual. The benefits filter out, supporting all students, their families, staff and our extended community.”

The City of Kalamunda recently presented Sandra (Skip) Devine a Local Community Hero Award. Skip, a committee member of the Kalamunda Rangers for over six years, is known for being one of the first to put her hand up to ensure events run smoothly. Every year she takes on several roles, as well as coaching at least two teams each season.

In addition to her multiple roles on the Kalamunda Rangers committee, Skip readily volunteers at all the winter sports her children play, as coach or support, and actively participates in her own sports. She has been the President at High Wycombe Primary School P&C (and all that entails - fundraising, meetings, and canteen), and more recently Chair of the School Board.

Fellow Rangers’ volunteer Annaliese Arndt said, “Skip is my sounding board when things go pear-shaped. I don’t know how she fits everything in, but she does, with a cheery grin. Nothing is a hassle.”

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP recently presented Skip with a Local Hero Award at a small gathering.

“A great way to encourage, motivate and connect with your children is by supporting their recreational clubs and activities and by leading by example - being an active participator also,: Cr Thomas said.

Retired Psychologist Maureen Parkinson is the latest of our Local Heroes to be presented a Seniors Community Local Heroes Award. The monthly Awards are proudly presented by the City of Kalamunda and supported by Echo News.

Ms Parkinson was nominated for her service to the community in various forms throughout her life, including her current work at the Kalamunda Hospital supporting patients, despite undergoing treatment for her own illness.

Earlier volunteer stints included entertaining residents in aged care homes singing with friend Frank, cooking meals for those in need, volunteering with Kalamunda Country Women's Association (CWA) and hosting an annual street Christmas parties in her local community.

Friend and nominee Ms M Fox says “Maureen has led an amazing life and always uses her powers for good wherever she goes. I really feel that she deserves to get some recognition for it. She is such a humble person.”

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP said, “If you know someone in your neighbourhood who are using their powers for good, we encourage you to nominate them for one of the City of Kalamunda Local Hero Awards.”

Approximately 20 years ago, Joy Barratt became involved in a social club providing meals and social events for the disabled. Today, the City awarded Joy with a City of Kalamunda Senior Community Local Hero Award for her continued support of the disabled, and her coordination and commitment to 'Showing a Hills Christmas' creating Christmas hampers and gifts for those in need.

Joy, with her nine helpers, provided Friday nights’ social events for a group of disabled people, with a 2-course home cooked meal, followed by games, crafts, or perhaps to watch a movie together. Although the venue has changed multiple times and the evening meals have been replaced by afternoon teas, the group continues to meet, offer support, and enjoy each other’s company.

Joy also provides respite for a resident of an Active Foundation home in High Wycombe, sharing her home for weekends ‘away’, taking her shopping and providing ongoing friendship and caring.

In addition to her work with the disabled, Joy brings her caring magic to the City through her involvement with "Showing a Hills Christmas". Joy and her team of volunteers contact local businesses, schools and churches requesting donations of food, Christmas treats and gifts to share with those less fortunate, of all ages. The team comes together to create food hampers and wrap gifts, delivering them to community members in need, along with nursing home and caravan park residents.

One recipient told Joy, "Thank you. This is the only Christmas gift I will receive, and I couldn't buy these Christmas goodies".

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP said, “The City is working to improve accessibility and inclusiveness for people with disability, their families and carers. 3.6% of our City’s population needs help in their day-to-day lives due to disability.*

“Thank you to Joy and her co-volunteers for caring – you are Local Heroes.”

* Sourced from https://profile.id.com.au/kalamunda/assistance

Often when we talk about football heroes we talk about the talented players however, many are those behind the scenes like Terry Davidson. Terry, a true City of Kalamunda local hero, passionately volunteers his time supporting the Forrestfield Football Club since the early 80s.

Terry has filled many roles over the years including Coach, President, Vice- President, ground keeper, time-keeper, property manager and Trustee. He can be seen at the club grounds in Hartfield Park, Forrestfield early mornings and late evenings most days, and is known as the ‘go to’ person and a key volunteer.

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP recently presented Terry with a City of Kalamunda Local Hero Award at a small gathering at the City’s Administration Building. The monthly Awards are proudly presented by the City and supported by Echo News.

Cr Thomas said, “Terry continues to make a significant contribution to our community’s healthy and active lifestyles.”

“I would like to acknowledge the work of all our behind-the-scenes heroes. They are integral to Club operations, helping individuals and teams grow and build a lifetime of community connections.”

City of Kalamunda Local Hero Award winner Elizabeth (Lizzie) Falconbridge has been volunteering with the Kalamunda & Districts Basketball Association for 42 years and umpired around 7,000 games. Lizzie delivers the ‘Taking it to Schools’ and ‘Hills Hoops’ stadium-based programs, introducing primary school children to basketball and helping develop the skills of players, referees, and coaches.

Lizzie also runs the Jets Basketball Club, supporting over 25 registered local teams (aged seven to 19) and coaches the U12 Eastern Suns WABL team, a representative club in the West Australian Basketball League.

“Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and her efforts are appreciated by those involved with the Kalamunda & Districts Basketball Association”, commended nominee and fellow volunteer, Scott Parker.

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP said, “Our local sporting clubs rely on volunteers such as Lizzie and Scott to function. They provide a valuable service and help keep running costs down.”

“Joining a local sporting club is a great way to build connections, increasing individual resilience, and staying physically and mentally healthy. It’s a slam dunk really!”

The City of Kalamunda is a proud partner of the ‘Act Belong Commit’ mental health promotion campaign to help create a more mentally healthy community.

The City of Kalamunda presented Angelina Watson a Community Local Heroes Award recently, for her work supporting Carers through the local “Make it Special” arts and craft group.

The “Make it Special” group, run by Ms Watson, creates an environment where Carers can come together to unwind, be appreciated, feel supported, share experiences, and make new friends. Ms Watson, who is a Carer herself, has changed the lives of many, for the better, using her own experience and passion to help others.

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP said, “Although a Carer’s role comes with many intrinsic rewards, it can also be very tiring and overwhelming at times. Groups such as these are incredibly valuable in providing support, and the opportunity to talk - or listen - informally to someone who understands and is going through the same challenges.”

“The Make it Special group is just one of the many ways in which Carers in the community can be supported. The City of Kalamunda works with a Disability and Carers Advisory Committee (DCAC) and many support organisations to provide and improve services, facilities and programs for people living with disability, their families, and their Carers.”

“If you know someone who is a Carer we encourage everyone to ask them if they need some someone to talk to, or if you can help them in some way”, said Cr Thomas.

The monthly Local Hero Awards are proudly presented by the City of Kalamunda and supported by Echo News. They are a celebration of the people within our neighborhoods who are passionate about making a difference, freely volunteering to give back to the community. Award winners receive a $50 KalaCash gift card.

Nominated in recognition of his long serving and active membership of the Bush Fire Brigade, City of Kalamunda resident and Senior Community Local Hero, Simon Bell is a lifetime member of the Bush Fire Brigade having volunteered for over 17 years and assisted with over 550 fires.

“I love helping the community and being part of the community. I enjoy the camaraderie that comes with belonging to an organization,” mentioned Simon. “I recommend it to anyone who is prepared to put the commitment in, to join. But you do have to be committed.”

“You also need the backing of friends and family. I could not have done what I do without the support of my wife. I would have been in real trouble without her. Sometimes I have been away for days, fighting fires anywhere in the State, and she is left to keep everything functioning at home. It’s a team effort.”

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP said, “Simon is a great example that behind every hero are any number of heroes, as part of a broader support network.”

“The 84 members of our local Kalamunda Bush Fire Brigade, and their personal support networks, perform a valuable role in keeping our community safe. In 2020/2021, the volunteers were called out 46 times, including responding to eight large fires, 15 smaller fires, two hazardous situations, and two road crash rescues.”

“The City is a partner with Act, Belong, Commit, and by giving back to the community, we can all find our niche and a space where we feel we belong.”

“Not all Superheroes Wear Capes” is phrase often associated with our health care workers and is very fitting for our latest City of Kalamunda Community Local Hero Award winner, Emily Howells.

Resident, Emily Howells works full time as a nurse, and in her spare time volunteers for Building Life Skills, a local disability organisation building Sustainable Disability community enabling people with a disability to live independently and have opportunities to be valued contributing members of our community.

Working tirelessly for better options for people living with disabilities Emily is a key player in securing a better future for many Kalamunda residents, supporting Building Life Skills clients and assisting running a fundraising and awareness stall at the monthly Kalamunda Artesian Markets monthly.

“I enjoy volunteering”, commented Emily. “It is rewarding to see how the people of Kalamunda have embraced people with disability and show their support at our market stall. It’s important to provide opportunities for people with disabilities in the community.”

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP said “The City’s vision is to create a community where everyone, of all needs, abilities and backgrounds feel empowered, valued and included. 3.6% of the population in the City have cited they need assistance with core activities (ABS2016) and people like Emily and organisations such as Building Life Skills provide grassroots connections, friendships and support”.

“Everyone in the City has the right to be an active participant in our community. The work Emily, and people like her do has a huge impact on the lives of those living with disability and extends out to their friends, families and the broader community.” said Cr Thomas presenting Emily with her Award recently.

Photo: Community Local Hero Award winner Emily Howells with Mayor Margaret Thomas JP.

Photo taken Pre-COVID-19 Restrictions

Challenges are inevitable, however City of Kalamunda resident, Debbie Don, is not known for letting them beat her.

When COVID-19 lockdowns were brought in earlier this year Debbie rose to the challenge, making hundreds of fabric face masks, giving them away for free to anyone who needed one. This was despite recovering from recent surgery herself.

One very appreciative recipient nominated Debbie for a City of Kalamunda Local Hero Award which was presented to her this week, together with a KalaCash gift card as a token of the City’s appreciation.

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP said, “Debbie’s generous spirit and giving nature were obviously needed at this time. The resilience she shows in the face of adversity is a lesson for us all and is to be commended.”