Star Volunteers to be recognised in new program

• Cook Government to recognise and celebrate WA's community sport volunteers
• Two fortnightly winners to receive a $400 voucher and go into the running for a major annual award
• Annual winner to receive $2,500 for their sporting club and a personal prize of $1,000
• Cook Government supporting active lifestyles and connected communities

Volunteers across Western Australia's sporting community will be recognised through the new WA Local Sporting Stars Volunteer Recognition Program.

The initiative celebrates the vital role volunteers play in keeping community sport thriving across the State.

Around 320,000 Western Australians volunteered in sport over the past year, supporting local clubs, coaching junior teams, organising competitions, and helping bring communities together.

Supported by a $294,000 investment from the Cook Government and delivered in partnership with SportWest, Seven West Media, and Spudshed, the WA Local Sporting Stars Volunteer Recognition Program will highlight the incredible contributions volunteers make to grassroots sport and encourage more people to get involved.

The program will recognise a broad range of volunteer contributions including youth leadership, inclusive participation, innovation, long-standing service, and all-round support within clubs and sporting communities.

Nominations can be submitted online, with a dedicated panel selecting winners over the program.

Each fortnight, two winners will receive a $400 voucher, be celebrated in The West Australian, and automatically go into the running for the Local Sporting Star of the Year award.

The overall winner will be announced at the 2026 WA Day Festival and receive a personal prize of $1,000, along with $2,500 in funding for their sporting club, helping deliver further benefits at the grassroots level.

Western Australians are encouraged to nominate a volunteer who deserves recognition at: https://www.sportwest.com.au/wa-local-legends-in-sport-a-wa-state-government-initiative/

Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Community sport in Western Australia simply wouldn't be possible without the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time to local clubs and teams.

"From coaching junior players to supporting clubs behind the scenes, volunteers are the backbone of community sport across our State.

"The Local Sporting Stars program is about recognising these incredible contributions and shining a spotlight on the people who make sport possible in communities right across Western Australia.

"In West Swan, clubs like Ballajura AFC, Ellenbrook Rabbitohs, Eastern Blades Hockey Club, and the Brabham Racers simply would not be what they are today without the volunteers who give their time to keep these clubs running.

"We know there are thousands of inspiring stories across WA's sporting clubs, and I look forward to celebrating our winners and acknowledging the outstanding work volunteers do every day."

Comments attributed to Volunteering Minister Hannah Beazley:

"Volunteers play an essential role in our community, and many will be recognised through this fantastic initiative.

"Most of our sporting clubs, including in regional WA, would not be able to function without the hard work of dedicated teams of volunteers.

"I encourage anyone who knows a standout volunteer to nominate them so they can be acknowledged and celebrated."