Invisible Illness Inc nominated for Inclusive Volunteering Award at 2026 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards

Rockingham-based charity Invisible Illness Inc has been nominated for the Inclusive Volunteering Award at the 2026 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards. The nomination alongside Befriend in Perth and Marine Rescue in Derby recognises the organisation’s significant work in promoting inclusivity and creating welcoming environments. Established in 2016, Invisible Illness Inc helps remove the stigma and judgment surrounding invisible illnesses through its inclusive volunteering program. The program delivers inclusive, flexible and trauma-informed volunteering opportunities for people living with invisible illness, disability, neurodivergence, mental health challenges, caring responsibilities, and social disadvantage. Founder Michelle Greenwood said it felt surreal to be nominated for the Volunteer of the Year award. “You don’t do this work for recognition, you do it because people need it,” she said. “Day to day, you’re just focused on showing up, supporting others and doing what needs to be done, so to be nominated is incredibly humbling, but more than anything, it feels like recognition for our whole community — our volunteers, our participants and everyone who has trusted us with their stories.” The team supports more than 120 volunteers across the Peel region, providing community support services, peer programs, advocacy initiatives, and events. It also operates an op shop on Dixon Road, Shop 4 A Cause. By designing roles around people rather than rigid systems, the charity has seen an increased retention, greater role diversity, and deeper volunteer engagement. “Volunteers are often the quiet backbone of our community,” Ms Greenwood said. “They give their time, energy and care, often without recognition, and sometimes while managing their own challenges.” Ms Greenwood said events such as the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards gave people a chance to pause and acknowledge the impact of volunteers. “They remind people that what they do matters and that their impact, even the quiet, unseen moments, are valued,” she said. The 2026 winners will be announced on May 14 ahead of National Volunteer Week (May 18-24). “To win the award for Inclusive Volunteering would mean that the message we’ve been working so hard to share is being heard,” Ms Greenwood said. “To have our work recognised would be incredibly meaningful, not just for me but for everyone who has ever felt excluded or unseen.”