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Meet Australia’s Bunnings Community Legends!

A lady in a CFA uniform standing next to a fire engine.

Community legends

Across Australia, there are everyday people who quietly go above and beyond to support others - they’re volunteers, carers, mentors and organisers who help their communities thrive.

Bunnings Community Legends program is a national initiative recognising everyday Australians who make a genuine difference in their local communities.

Nominated by Bunnings team members and community partners, Community Legends are recognised across four categories that reflect the many ways people contribute to community life:

 

Community Pride Legend

Community Resilience Legend

Community Inclusion Legend

Community Wellbeing Legend

 

Recognition and Prizes

A total of 50 Community Legends will be recognised nationally, with five overall winners announced -one per category, plus an overall Bunnings Community Legend.

Prizes include a donation of up to $10,000 for the Legend’s community group of choice, up to $1,000 in Bunnings vouchers and a trip for two to Bunnings’ Conference in June 2026.

Criteria and guidelines  

Click here to access the Bunnings Community Legends program Terms & Conditions. 

For enquiries, please contact media@bunnings.com.au.

Meet our 2026 Community Legends!

This year's Community Legends winners were recognised for their extraordinary commitment to strengthening communities across Australia. Each category winner received a $750 Bunnings voucher and a $5,000 donation to a community group or charity of their choice. As the overall Community Legend of the Year, Lena Tupua received a $10,000 donation and a $1,000 Bunnings voucher.

Community Legend of the Year: Lena Tupua

Lena Tupua has been named Bunnings' 2026 Community Legend of the Year in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to supporting young people experiencing homelessness across Melbourne.

Inspired by her own lived experience of fleeing domestic violence and homelessness at just 21 years old, Lena founded Hands, Hearts, Hope to provide practical support, compassion and hope to those doing it tough. Over the past three years, she has helped thousands of people through regular outreach services, providing meals, essential supplies and meaningful connection to vulnerable members of the community.

Volunteering seven days a week and leading a team of 20 volunteers, Lena's dedication has seen Hands, Hearts, Hope grow into a trusted grassroots organisation that supports up to 150 people on some nights. Her tireless efforts, generosity and commitment to helping others rebuild their lives made her a standout recipient of this year's top honour.

Community Legends- Winners 2026- AU-Lena T

Community Pride Winner: David Burge

For more than 20 years, David has been a dedicated CFA volunteer serving the Teesdale community. Known for his leadership, mentorship and willingness to support families during times of crisis, David has made a lasting impact both on and off the fireground.

David has also played an important role in mentoring and creating leadership opportunities for women in the CFA.

Community Legends- Winners 2026- AU-David B

Community Inclusion Winner: Louise Larkin

Louise founded Friend in Me after hearing the story of a child with disability being excluded from a birthday party. Nine years later, her volunteer-run organisation delivers inclusive events, school programs and sensory-friendly spaces that help children and families feel welcomed, supported and connected.
Community Legends- Winners 2026- AU-Louise L

Community Wellbeing Winner: Isabeau Briggs

Founder of Grandma's Kitchen, Isabeau has spent nearly a decade supporting people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence survivors and vulnerable families. Through weekly meal services and practical support, she provides food, essential supplies and connection to dozens of people in the Ipswich community each week.
Community Legends- Winners 2026- AU- Isabeau Briggs

Community Resilience Winner: Christine Mastello

Christine Mastello founded Southlakes in 2012 with $60,000 of her own savings and a vision to ensure every Australian is treated with dignity. Since then, the organisation has grown into Community Reach Australia, a national not-for-profit delivering food hampers, school breakfasts, free haircuts and other community support programs across 180 locations nationwide.
Community Legends- Winners 2026- AU-Christine Mastello