2026 Town of Walkerville Volunteer Awards
Nominations are now closed.
On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, the Walkerville Volunteer of the Year Awards were held in the Walkerville Town Hall during National Volunteer Week.
The 2026 Volunteer of the Year winners are:
Volunteer of the Year - Janet Martin
Janet has been a volunteer in the Walkerville Residential Aged Care home since early 2024. Janet visits the home weekly as part of the home's in-house St Andrew's Church Service. When visiting, Janet cheers residents by talking about life, travel and family. The companionship, connection and assistance Janet generously provides is incredibly important to everyone in the home.
Community Event of the Year - The Friends of Walkerville School Family Fun Night
Kicking off the school year, the Family Fun Night is a relaxed, picnic-style evening held on the school lawns. Families spread out their blankets and kids run free, and the whole community gets together.
Organised and run entirely by volunteers from the school community, the event features free activities, sideshow games, face painting, a rock-climbing wall, and sausage sizzle. This year's event attracted around 250 families, cementing its value to the school and the wider community.
Mayor's Choice Award - Norm Coleman OAM
Norm began his military career by joining the Army Reserve in 1963, before transferring to the Australian Army in 1966. Shortly after, he served in South Vietnam.
He continued a lifelong commitment to service and community. A longstanding and deeply respected member of the Walkerville RSL since 1992, he has served as President for the past 13 years and remains a driving force behind supporting and advocating for local veterans. Norm is also a past President of the Vietnam Association of SA/NT and served on the Agent Orange Disbursement Fund Committee, helping support veterans and families affected by Agent Orange exposure during service in South Vietnam.
Beyond his military and veteran advocacy, Norm has played a significant role in the broader Walkerville Community. He served as a Town of Walkerville Councillor from 2018 to 2022 and is also a valued member of the Walkerville Rostrum Club.
Norm's dedication, leadership, witty humour and quiet commitment to others have made him much-loved within the Walkerville community.
A special mention was also given to Volunteer of the Year nominees, Julia Murrie, Lorraine Gormly OAM, Meals on Wheels Prospect, and Alice Walsh.
Town of Walkerville wants to congratulate and thank all of the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award winners and runners-up for their dedication and hard work in the Township and beyond.
There are three volunteer award categories, plus a Mayor’s Choice Award category – with a recipient selected from the pool of nominations by Council Members.
The below categories are:
Category 1: Volunteer of the Year
For exceptional voluntary service by an individual who has benefited the Town of Walkerville. This award is only for people aged over 35 years. This award can recognise a volunteer who has worked in the community for a long period of time, as well as someone who is new to volunteering but who has made an outstanding contribution to the Township. The nominee does not need to live in the Township, but must demonstrate a connection to it through their volunteering activities. Nominations for individuals who live in the Township but who volunteer outside the Council area will be considered. Individuals can self-nominate for the Volunteer of the Year Award.
Category 2: Young Volunteer of the Year
For exceptional voluntary service by an individual who has benefited the Town of Walkerville. This award is only for people aged 35 years or under. The nominee does not need to live in the Township, but must demonstrate a connection to it through their volunteering. This award is also open to students from the Town of Walkerville who have taken part in volunteering, either in their local school, community, or through other volunteering programs. Individuals can self-nominate for the Young Volunteer of the Year Award.
Category 3: Community Event of the Year (this can be in-person or virtual)
For a local event held between February 2025 and February 2026 that demonstrated a strong local community focus and volunteering element. Organisations can nominate their own events for the Community Event of the Year Award.
Category 4: Mayor’s Choice Award
The Mayor’s Choice Award is not open for receiving nominations, as the recipient will be selected by Elected Members. This Award is given to a deserving volunteer, who has been noticed by the Elected Members for their hard work and passion.
Nominations are now closed.
How does Council decide?
Awards recipients are selected by Town of Walkerville's Elected Members. Their decision is final and no feedback is provided to the nominator.
Council also presents a Mayor’s Choice Award, which will not receive nominations as the winner is nominated and selected by Elected Members.