Best of the West

Started by WA black belt mum Kristy Hitchens, Pink Belt Project empowers women in need. It connects them with the ancient traditions of martial arts for healing, health, wellbeing and growth.

Founded by Neil McCulloch, this is a not-for-profit volunteer run group for youth from refugee and migrant backgrounds that allows participants to strengthen their connection with their new home. Participants are taken on hikes and camping experiences in the Australian bush, with all expenses paid. Their goal is to offer safe and free hiking experiences to break down imaginary barriers between groups and allow greater connection between participants, volunteers and the land.

Therapy on Wheels is a charity that focuses on improving the mental wellbeing of cancer patients and their families through the proven benefits of adrenaline-based participation in motorsports. It was set up by Andy Kahle and her husband Mick, after Andy’s passion for motorsports was a driving factor in her recovery from an aggressive form of breast cancer. Therapy on Wheels, which also seeks to raise awareness of cancer, takes passengers down the drag strip in a world first highly modified car – making for an exciting experience for them, plus laughter and fun for their family on the sidelines.

A library in Leederville that offers tools to the community for a small membership fee. A group of locals brought this to life after noticing there was nothing similar in WA, despite it being quite common overseas. Not only does the library contain tools, it also lends out a whole range of practical items – including camping gear, medical equipment, gardening supplies, and sewing machines. It’s also cheaper than hiring from local rental stores.

The money will be spent on diverse equipment, such as a kit for schools to conduct beach clean ups and new, good quality tents for families who would otherwise rely on low quality donated goods.

Across WA, there are 20,000 firefighting volunteers who represent over 500 brigades. Bushfire Volunteers is run by a small team and volunteer board – they are passionate and committed to educating the community about fire safety and building innovative apps and programs to support the wellbeing and safety of their wide base of volunteer firefighters.

This is a charity focused on empowering Western Australian women to become financially independent, so that they can succeed not only in work, but in life. It offers a range of career development services that support and enhance a woman's capacity to enter or re-enter the workforce. The money would be spent on their first regional tour – they're heading to Kalgoorlie where they'll style and provide professional attire and employment support for 20 women.