Across regional Western Australia, there are people, businesses, community groups and organisations creating change every day.
Some are supporting children and families. Some are building stronger local economies. Some are protecting the environment, creating employment pathways, supporting First Nations entrepreneurs, or making sure regional communities have access to services and opportunities they deserve.
Often, this work happens quietly.
The 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards for Regional Western Australia are a chance to recognise those efforts and celebrate the people making a real difference across the state.
As nominations open for the 2026 Awards, we’re looking back at some of the inspiring Winners and Finalists from 2025, and what the recognition meant to them.
Recognising work that strengthens communities
For Chris Buck, the 2025 Winner of the Curtin University School of Education Teaching Excellence Award, being recognised was a welcome surprise.
Chris began his career in the Student Equity team at The University of Western Australia after completing his PhD in sports science. His work with high schools in low socioeconomic areas inspired him to become a classroom teacher, leading him to complete the Teach For Australia program at Hedland Senior High School, where he has worked as a science teacher for the past four years.
“Attending the ceremony was an amazing opportunity. It was a fantastic way to meet other people who are also passionate about making a change,” Chris said.
“I went in with low expectations and it was a really nice surprise to be announced as the winner.”
Since receiving the Award, Chris says the school breakfast club program has continued to grow, with more students and staff now aware of the initiative.
He hopes to keep building the breakfast club team and involve more local community organisations, businesses, students and community members, helping provide more food to students on a regular basis.
Celebrating sustainability and local impact
Pemberton Discovery Tours, a 2025 Finalist in the Pan Pacific Perth Sustainability Award, is a family-owned nature-based tourism business operating in Western Australia’s Southern Forests region.
Based in Pemberton, the business specialises in small-group eco tours, 4WD adventures, Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail transfers, and experiences that connect visitors with the region’s forests, dunes, wildlife and local stories.
As an Advanced Ecotourism Certified operator, Pemberton Discovery Tours is committed to sustainable tourism practices and supporting the local community.
“We were honoured and genuinely surprised,” the team shared.
“As a small regional tourism business, much of what we do extends beyond simply running tours. We work closely with local organisations, support community initiatives, promote the region and help visitors connect with local businesses.”
For the team, being named a Finalist acknowledged the wider contribution tourism can make to regional communities.
“It was inspiring to hear their stories and reinforced the importance of collaboration, community involvement and continuing to invest in regional towns.”
Sharing stories that matter
Earbus Foundation of WA was named a 2025 Finalist in the Awards Australia Community Group Award.
Led by Co-founder and CEO Dr Lara Shur, Earbus delivers mobile ear health services to Aboriginal and at-risk children, helping them access the hearing support they need to learn, connect and thrive.
“Being named a finalist in the 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards for Regional WA was affirming and gave great encouragement to everyone at Earbus,” Dr Shur said.
“It was an honour to stand alongside organisations like Dandelions WA and other finalists who make such a meaningful difference in communities across the state.”
For Earbus Foundation, the recognition reflected the dedication of their team and partners working to improve access to ear health for Aboriginal and at-risk children.
“It reinforced the importance of our mission and the collective impact we can achieve when we work together to give every child the opportunity to hear, learn and thrive.”
Dr Shur said the Awards also provided the chance to connect with like-minded organisations and people working to positively impact Western Australia.
“We can all support each other to achieve great things in WA.”
Honouring decades of dedication
Harris Organic Wine and Spirits, led by owner, winemaker and distiller Duncan Harris, was named the 2025 Winner of the Pan Pacific Perth Sustainability Award.
Located in the Swan Valley, Harris Organic Wine and Spirits is recognised for its commitment to organic viticulture, sustainable agriculture and chemical-free farming. Duncan established Australia’s first certified organic distillery and has spent more than two decades dedicated to dryland farming and organic production.
“It was validating to receive the award,” Duncan said.
“When you spend decades focusing on sustainable farming and organic production, you don’t do it for the accolades, you do it because you believe it’s the right way to treat the land.”
Since receiving the Award, Duncan says it has helped raise local awareness of what sustainable, organic distillation truly means.
“It has provided a platform to talk about chemical-free farming and has given our brand a wonderful stamp of credibility.”
Recognising regional business growth
Australian Natural Biotechnology Pty Ltd, producer of the Karibee brand, was a 2025 Finalist in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Economic Development Award.
Led by Director Ting Pan, the business specialises in premium Western Australian honey products, including Jarrah, Marri and a range of Eucalyptus honeys. ANB has grown from local production into international markets, exporting to China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle East.
For Ting, being named a Finalist was both an honour and a humbling experience.
“It was wonderful to see the efforts of our team, local beekeepers, and industry partners recognised on a broader platform,” she said.
“It reinforced our belief that regional businesses can make a meaningful contribution to their communities while competing successfully on the global stage.”
Ting says the experience opened doors to new business conversations, strengthened industry networks and created opportunities to share ANB’s story with a wider audience.
Leaving a positive legacy
Hayes Tree Care, a family-owned arboriculture business based in Mandurah, was a 2025 Finalist in the Pan Pacific Perth Sustainability Award.
The business provides professional tree management services across the Peel region and beyond, while supporting local sporting clubs, community organisations, environmental initiatives and industry development.
“Being named a finalist was a tremendous honour for our entire team,” Hayes Tree Care shared.
“While we take great pride in the work we do every day, recognition through the 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards reinforced that our efforts to support the community, care for the environment, and contribute positively to our region are making a difference.”
For the team, the recognition acknowledged not only their business achievements, but also their commitment to giving back and helping strengthen the communities they serve.
“We are passionate about leaving a positive legacy, supporting the people around us, and helping create healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities for future generations.”
Creating pathways for Aboriginal talent
Mallard Contracting Pty Ltd was named a Finalist in the Rinehart Development of Northern Regional WA Award and went on to win the Konica Minolta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Community Achievement Award.
Founded by Wajarri-Nanda entrepreneur Robby Mallard, Mallard Contracting is a 100% Aboriginal-owned construction, maintenance and demolition company delivering projects across Western Australia’s Pilbara, Midwest and Gascoyne regions.
Through training, apprenticeships, mentoring and sustainable employment, Robby is creating opportunities for Aboriginal people and helping build long-term career pathways.
“It’s a powerful recognition of the work I’m doing to create opportunities for Aboriginal people, and gives me both pride and motivation to keep pushing forward,” Robby said.
Since the Awards, Robby says the recognition has strengthened partnerships with mining companies that share a commitment to supporting Aboriginal communities.
“The recognition has also led to invitations to speak with other organisations, where I share my approach and the mutual benefits it creates for communities and industry alike. It has been a win-win-win experience.”
Allowing important work to be seen
Make It Happen HQ, founded by proud First Nations entrepreneur and creative strategist Adele Peek, was named the 2025 Winner of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Economic Development Award.
Make It Happen HQ supports First Nations entrepreneurs, regional communities and Indigenous-led organisations to grow their visibility, capability and commercial opportunities.
“It was incredibly special and humbling,” Adele shared.
“To be recognised among so many people doing meaningful work across regional WA was a real honour.”
The Award has helped raise awareness of the work being done through Make It Happen HQ and opened further conversations around First Nations entrepreneurship, regional innovation and community-led economic development.
Adele’s advice for future nominees is simple:
“Allow your work to be seen. So many people in the community are used to showing up, helping others and creating impact without seeking recognition, but awards like this can help amplify important stories and open new doors.”
Looking ahead, Adele is continuing to support First Nations entrepreneurs through practical, culturally grounded pathways and new projects that celebrate Indigenous innovation.
She is also seeking sponsors and speakers for Reclaim The Narrative, an event created to celebrate First Nations entrepreneurship and bring capital to Country.
Why nominations matter
The stories of these 2025 Winners and Finalists show the many ways people are strengthening regional Western Australia.
A nomination can help recognise years of hard work. It can open doors, build connections, raise awareness and give communities the chance to celebrate the people and organisations making a difference.
As Duncan Harris of Harris Organic Wine and Spirits shared, authenticity matters.
“When you put together your nomination, let your passion and the actual, measurable impact of your work shine through. Authenticity resonates more than anything else.”
Pemberton Discovery Tours offered a similar reminder:
“Don’t assume your contribution is too small.”
Every year, the Awards uncover stories of people who may not seek recognition, but whose work deserves to be celebrated.
If you know someone making a difference in regional Western Australia, now is the time to refer them.
Refer someone today:
https://forms.gle/sa3FLbGKEDGLpd658
