Local Heroes & Volunteers

Happy Wanderers Heart Foundation Walking Group

Lub-dub. Lub-dub. Crunch. Crunch. The rhythmic beating of hearts and crunching of leaves – these are the sounds of over 30 members of the Kalamunda Heart Foundation’s Walking Group setting off for their morning hike along the Railway Heritage Trail, Kalamunda.

This week’s walk followed a City of Kalamunda Local Hero Award presentation by Mayor Margaret Thomas JP to one of the volunteer walk-leaders, Diana Fisher.

Diana has been leading the Kalamunda Heart Foundation Walking Group weekly for over 10 years with the group going from strength to strength and building to over 50 members. Along with co-leaders Margaret Watson, John Sharp and Derek Bracken, Diana motivates community members to keep moving and improve their health and wellbeing. Diana is known for her inclusiveness, efficiency, professionalism, and being a strong motivator. She is respected within the Kalamunda Walking Group, the National Heart Foundation of Australia, and City of Kalamunda.

“Although my name is on this award, I accept it on behalf of Margaret Watson, John Sharp, Derek Bracken and every member of the Happy Wanderers Heart Foundation Walking Group," said Diana.

The Heart Foundation’s Walking program is Australia’s largest free walking network, catering for walkers of different ages, abilities, and endurance levels. The weekly walks conclude with a social chat and coffee at one of the local cafes.

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP commented, “Being active and involved is one of the best things we can do to keep our mind and bodies healthy.”

“We are fortunate to have so many quality walking and cycling trails here in the City of Kalamunda - from Grade1, flat, easy-walk trails for people with no hiking experience, to Grade 5 for experienced self-reliant hikers”.

Happy Wanderers Heart Foundation Walking Group (📷 Mark Fisher)

City of Kalamunda resident, Eileen Stark was presented with a Senior Local Hero Award at a recent Adopt a Patch bush-care session held with students from High Wycombe Primary School.

Ms Stark was acknowledged for her volunteer work nurturing her local community for over 30 years, most recently as Friends Group Coordinator for Markham Road Reserve, High Wycombe; and earlier as a volunteer with the local Girl Guides and being instrumental in establishing the Kindergarten in High Wycombe.

Ms Stark is a passionate advocate for the preservation of Blancoa canescens (Winter Bell) a plant species native to the area, growing cocky food, bee keeping and educating young people about caring for the environment.

Under Ms Stark’s guidance the students spent the session learning about the importance of weeding, watering; planting over 50 native seedlings and creating a healthier space for them and their families to grow up in.

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP commented, “We are fortunate to have members of our community who share their knowledge, passion, experience and time investing in our youth and actively caring for the environment”.

Caption: Senior Local Hero, Ms Eileen Stark with High Wycombe Students, City of Kalamunda Environmental Education and Engagement Officer, Ms Taylor, and Uncle Neville Collard.

Inclusive. Positive. Genuine. Nominated for aiming to be the best he can be and having a never give up attitude. These were the words used to describe Mazenod College student, Cooper Rullo who was awarded a City of Kalamunda Young Local Hero at his recent school assembly.

Classroom teacher, Ms Jessica Hewett asked her Year 9 English Extension class to explore what it means to be heroic in contemporary Australia and suggested they submit their responses to the City’s Local Hero Award website.

“Part of this unit involves selecting someone in their own world that reflect values of equality, perseverance, integrity and community-service, and creating a persuasive presentation to celebrate that person,” said Ms Hewett.

“This year, I thought it would be fantastic to have students take their classroom learning and put it into practice in a ‘real-world’ situation. Not only could they engage with their learning in a meaningful way, they were also able to properly recognise the positivity that others bring to our region.”

Nominated for staying positive even when times were challenging, Cooper is recognized for supporting his peers, lending a helping hand, and ensuring everyone is included and has a fair go. In his local neighbourhood he looks out for his neighbours assisting them with their gardening and mowing and taking the time to chat with them, showing his genuine nature and approachability.

Cooper was actually quite shocked but chuffed when he received his Local Hero Award, saying, “I can’t believe I actually won. I don’t feel like I’m a hero or anything like that”.

“Nate [who nominated Cooper] and I are going to split the award. He’s my hero too”.

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP disclosed, “Reading all the student responses was an absolute joy. It is refreshing to see that our youth recognises that their Local Heroes are the everyday people in their local communities”.

“It just goes to show your modern-day hero is likely standing right next to you. I would encourage others to do the same and look at the people that enrich their lives as they live, work and play. In addition to thanking them face-to-face, they are also encouraged to nominate them for a City of Kalamunda Local Hero Award available each month, in one of four categories.”

Bruce Glover, an active volunteer member of the Hugh Sanderson Reserve and Ray Owen Reserve Friends Groups for over 20 years was awarded one of the City of Kalamunda’s Senior Local Community Hero Awards. Nominated for looking out for the best interests of the reserves, Mr Glover developed a watering technique to ensure the survival of newly planted native vegetation in the drier months. As Coordinator of the two Friends Groups, he shares his design and knowledge with other volunteers, school and community groups, encouraging everyone to be actively involved in caring for their local native spaces.

Read more: https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/news-details/2022/06/09/local-hero-bruce-glover-innovator-educator-and-conservation-volunteer

The City of Kalamunda awarded two Freeman on 12 October 2021, Mrs Norma Walsh, and her husband Mr Max Walsh, who have made a significant contribution to the City of Kalamunda over their lives.

Click for more: Norma and Max Walsh Awarded Freeman

You don’t have to be old to be one of our vintage Local heroes. Benjamin Hughes was awarded a Young Local Hero Award in recognition of his volunteer work (twice a week) at the Kalamunda History Village. Benjamin ensures the paths are clear and that everything looks in tip top shape. Benjamin shares his passion for all things vintage, talking to people at the History Village and around the City about the history of Kalamunda, while dressed in vintage clothing.

Nominator Rachel Hood says “Benjamin makes their day. He loves to have a chat at his local favourite stores, and always leaves people with a smile on their faces.”

“I have worked with Benjamin for several years now and I am always blown away by his passion for our local history, which is so important for our community.”

Benjamin was presented with his award at Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre this week, where he also volunteers. He is one of the 250 volunteers the centre needs to operate, assisting with feeding animals, cleaning cages, preparing food and his least favourite ‘cleaning up’ after the animals.

The City’s Local Hero Awards 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. The monthly Awards are proudly presented by the City of Kalamunda and supported by Echo News.

Nominate your local hero today at engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/local-heroes

For more information please contact the City of Kalamunda on 9257 9999, email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.

Image: Benjamin with nominator Rachel.

Congratulations to Tessa Forrest, who was presented with a City of Kalamunda Young Local Hero Award this week at Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to wildlife conservation. Nominated in recognition of her volunteer work at Wattle Grove Primary School, since she was very young, Tess helps with book fairs, Book Club, fundraising sausage sizzles, uniform shop, and canteen duties before and after school (unpacking groceries, cleaning, recycling, preparing lunch baskets and assisting with special lunch orders).

She is known for never complaining, showing initiative, sharing her knowledge, and entertaining younger students with magic tricks. Tess puts her hand up to fill fundraising shifts when other volunteers don’t turn up to ensure no one is ever left shorthanded.

Tessa’s community mindedness extends to helping wildlife at the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, by collecting newspapers and plant cuttings for the enrichment and feeding of the up to 3000 animal patients a year, 80% of which are birds.

She has a genuine interest in the community and helping. A silent achiever. A City of Kalamunda Young Local Hero. She’s magic!

The City’s Local Hero Awards 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. The monthly Awards are proudly presented by the City of Kalamunda and supported by Echo News.

Nominate your local hero today at engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/local-heroes

For more information please contact the City of Kalamunda on 9257 9999, email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.

#ActBelongCommit #LocalHero #CityofKalamunda #EchoNews # Kanyana #WattleGrovePrimarySchool

Don’t hold your breath. Give a shout out!

Trish Verran is the latest of the City of Kalamunda’s Local Hero Award winners. Nominated for her volunteer work at the Guildford and Kalamunda Districts Swim Club, Trish’s association with the Club dates to 2008. Since then, she has driven many initiatives providing many opportunities for Club and community members and filled multiple roles including secretary and treasurer.

Known for being an incredibly hard worker who knows all the different facets of running the Swim Club she was presented her Award in front of the training squads at the Darling Range Pool on Wednesday.

Fellow club volunteer Rachel Pendal commended Trish for “always being friendly, approachable, having great communication skills and a never-ending patience.”

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 certificate and a $50 KalaCash gift card.

Do you know a Local Hero? Nominate them today at engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/local-heroes

For more information please contact the City of Kalamunda on 9257 9999, email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au or visit kalamunda.wa.gov.au.

#ActBelongCommit #LocalHero #CityofKalamunda #EchoNews

City of Kalamunda resident Tara Thill has been awarded a Local Community Hero Award for helping to raise $7,800 for Breast Cancer Research, with support from the Forrestfield United Football Club. As lead organiser for the Breast Cancer Awareness weekend, held earlier this year, Tara coordinated over 500 players wearing pink socks, and the State League 1st team and all goalkeepers wearing pink shirts.

Tara arranged production and delivery of the shirts, obtained raffle prizes from sponsors, coordinated a sausage sizzle with the help of volunteers and worked from 5.30am until sundown on the day to ensure everything ran smoothly, maximising fundraising efforts. Tara, known as Ms Fixit for her willingness to help wherever she is needed, is also the club registrar, organiser of the junior kits, and clubroom cleaner.

Forrestfield United Football Club President, Mark Twamley said, “We were very proud to present the Breast Cancer Research charity with a total of $7,800. Tara is truly a volunteer hero at the club and deserves recognition for her contribution to the community”.

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP said, “Local Heroes such as Tara, make a huge difference to the lives of many, bringing everyone together for a common purpose, raising funds and awareness of issues impacting so many, such as breast cancer.”

Dynamic Duo, Fran Dean and Cathy Audino were recently awarded a City of Kalamunda Community Local Hero Award for their involvement running the Darling Range Seniors Hub.

The Hub is a grassroots group, that connects senior residents, provides an opportunity to participate in social events, and meet new people. Over the past 18-months, Fran and Cathy have taken it upon themselves to be the welcoming committee at the Hub ensuring community members have a place to belong, connect and feel supported.

Events include CommuniTEA Matters, a coffee morning with guest speakers, attended by between 25 and 40 seniors every Wednesday; monthly bus tours; and special functions. Most recently the Hub, with Fran and Cathy bringing their energy and heart, hosted an Annual Christmas in July, a Fashion Parade, and most recently the Italian Night.

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP said, “There are a range of services our seniors are encouraged to be actively involved with, including Seniors groups operating out of the Woodlupine Family and Community Centre who are currently looking for volunteers to help with their Seniors coffee lounge.”

“The City also supports the regular activities held at the Jack Healey Centre and an Active Seniors Program across the City’s recreation centres. Residents are encouraged to check the City of Kalamunda’s website and follow the City’s Facebook page for latest news.”