Bunnings Launches Community Legend Awards to Honor Australia's Unsung Heroes
The search for Australia's most dedicated community volunteers has officially begun with the launch of Bunnings' new Community Legend awards. This initiative aims to recognize everyday Australians who are making extraordinary differences in their local communities, with the overall winner receiving a substantial $10,000 donation for their chosen charity.
Celebrating Local Legends Across the Nation
Bunnings, renowned for its hardware tools and community barbecues, is now turning its attention to honoring the unsung heroes who strengthen Australian neighborhoods. According to Michelle Walter, Bunnings Head of Community, Partnerships and Events, the response has been overwhelming. "The breadth of nominations we've seen from across Australia has been incredibly moving," Ms. Walter stated. "Across every state and territory, we've witnessed people stepping up in diverse ways—supporting communities through crisis, creating inclusive spaces, fostering connection, and strengthening opportunities for each other."
She emphasized that Bunnings sees firsthand the power of community connection. "By shining a light on these Community Legends, we hope to encourage connection in local communities, recognizing that even small acts of care can make a meaningful difference."
Award Structure and Recognition Process
The Bunnings Community Legends program will celebrate everyday Australians who make a legendary impact where they live and work. Over ten weeks, five local Community Legends will be recognized each week. From these nominees, one finalist will be crowned the Bunnings Community Legend of 2026 at the Bunnings national conference in June. This top honoree will receive a $10,000 donation to their chosen community group or charity.
Additionally, the awards feature four specific categories that reflect core values of Australian communities:
- Community Pride Legend – for fostering connection, belonging, and local pride.
- Community Resilience Legend – for supporting communities through challenge, crisis, and change.
- Community Inclusion Legend – for championing diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.
- Community Wellbeing Legend – for strengthening wellbeing, safety, and opportunity for others.
Research Highlights the Importance of Community Recognition
New research commissioned by Bunnings reveals compelling insights into Australian community dynamics. While Aussies value local legends, less than a quarter (16 percent) can actually name one. This gap in recognition is precisely why Bunnings created the Community Legends awards—to raise awareness and celebrate these vital contributors.
The study also found that one in five Australian communities has faced significant challenges, with volunteers such as carers and emergency service workers frequently cited as examples of local legends. On a positive note, more than 70 percent of Australians report a strong sense of belonging in their local communities, driven by factors like feeling safe and welcome, having access to shared spaces, and knowing their neighbors.
Notable Nominees and Prize Details
Early nominees for the awards include inspiring individuals like 67-year-old Victorian David Burge, who has volunteered with the Country Fire Authority for over two decades, 36-year-old Isabeau Briggs, who supports homeless community groups, and 72-year-old John Campbell, who volunteers seven days a week across multiple charities.
In addition to the $10,000 charity donation, the overall winner will receive a $1000 Bunnings voucher and a trip for two to the Bunnings Conference on June 3-4. Each of the four category winners will be awarded a $750 Bunnings voucher, a $5000 donation to a community group or charity of their choice, and a trip for two to the conference.
Bunnings team members and community partners from across Australia have been actively nominating local legends within their communities, highlighting the widespread appreciation for these dedicated volunteers.
