Mandurah's own Kerrie Overell has been crowned WA Volunteer of the Year.
Ms Overell was one of seven volunteers recognised for their contributions at the 2026 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards on Thursday night.
Through WestAus Crisis & Welfare Services' Healthy Breakfast program, Ms Overell has helped deliver tens of thousands of breakfast meals to children in need across the Peel Region in 2025 alone.
She has also assisted over 4000 people through the Refresh Showers program which provides locals with showers and clean clothing.
Ms Overell oversees volunteer recruitment and rostering, coordinates day-to-day program delivery, and works with community partners to source donations of essential items – food, clothing and toiletries for vulnerable people as well as coordinating large-scale Christmas hampers for families in need.
She said it was an honour to receive the WA Volunteer of the Year award.
"I was up against some fantastic people and I was very shocked to get the award," she said.
"I've just been one of those people since I was young...I just want to show love in action, I want people to know they're loved and they're special."
Volunteering WA CEO Tina Williams expressed her gratitude for all that volunteers give back to the WA community.
“With so much unrest and uncertainty in the world, volunteering keeps us grounded, allowing us to focus on what we can influence and where we can truly make a difference,” Ms Williams said.
“This year’s winners show that meaningful change often begins close to home. Through their leadership, compassion and dedication, they transform the communities around them and inspire others to step forward and contribute.”
Ms Overell said volunteers are hard to come by and encourages those who can to lend a hand.
"I understand it's hard for everybody, but volunteers are essential and like I said last night, a lot of organisations and groups couldn't achieve the things that they achieve if it wasn't for the volunteers out there and that's the biggest thing, I want to say congratulations to all volunteers."
Kerrie Overell has helped provide tens of thousands of breakfasts to school children in need. PIC: Supplied
Recreational boat fishers offered $50 rebate for fishing gear at participating tackle shops
Waikiki teen among the best CrossFit athletes in the world
Wellard home destroyed by fire
Woman fined $7k after catching 134 undersize crabs in Coodanup
Mandurah mayor Amber Kearns 'disappointed' in councillor Peter Rogers' decision to resign
Speed limit dropped to 70km/h on stretch of Mandurah Road in Secret Harbour
WA Police officer tragically dies in hospital days after Hopeland crash
Young Mandurah swimmer selected to compete at Special Olympics Australia National Games
Man charged after allegedly punching police officer in the face in Dawesville