2026 Volunteer of the Year Award winners announced
On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, the Walkerville Volunteer of the Year Awards were held in the Walkerville Town Hall during National Volunteer Week. Council hosts the ceremony to recognise and thank the many selfless community members, while announcing the successful nominees.
Mayor Melissa Jones unveiled the 2026 winners on the night, stating, "These awards aim to recognise the many facets of volunteering here in our town. We recognise individual contributions and special events that bring our people together."
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.
"On behalf of the lifestyle team, we thank you for giving your time in an industry so needed and valued," says Shontell Wikaire, Lifestyle Service Coordinator at Walkerville Aged Care. "Janet is the type of person who is here for others. She is selfless, with the biggest heart."
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.
