Bunnings is putting everyday Australians in the national spotlight with the launch of the Bunnings Community Legends Awards.

Over the past two months, Bunnings team members and Bunnings community partners from across Australia have been nominating local legends within their communities, sharing stories that celebrate everyday Australians who strengthen pride, inclusion, resilience or wellbeing in their local area.

New national research commissioned by Bunnings has revealed Australians deeply value their local legends, yet fewer than one in five respondents (16%) can name one in their own community. At the same time, one in five Australian communities have experienced significant challenges, highlighting the vital role played by volunteers, carers, emergency service workers and community champions who quietly support those around them.

Five Community Legends will be recognised each week over a 10-week period, launching last Wednesday (18 February). From these weekly recipients, one standout finalist will be crowned the Bunnings Community Legend of 2026 at the Bunnings National Conference in Melbourne in June.

Community Legends will be recognised across four categories, reflecting the values that make Australian communities strong and resilient:

• Community Pride Legend – fostering connection, belonging and local pride.
• Community Resilience Legend – supporting communities through challenge, crisis and change.
• Community Inclusion Legend – championing diversity, accessibility and inclusion.
• Community Wellbeing Legend – strengthening wellbeing, safety and opportunity for others.

Each week, Bunnings will personally notify the five Community Legends by phone, celebrating their contribution as they progress toward being shortlisted as one of the five finalists.

Early nominees include 67-year-old Victorian David Burge, who has volunteered with the CFA for more than 20 years, 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.

Commitment to community

Bunnings Community Legends spokesperson Mel O’Neill says the initiative reflects the retailer’s deep and long-standing commitment to supporting local communities.

“At Bunnings, we are in the privileged position of being well connected to the communities where our stores and team members live and work, and we know that right across the country there are special people – everyday Australians – who have a profound and legendary impact on their communities,” she says.

“We’ve put it to our Bunnings team members to shine a light on those local legends out in the community, who give so much of themselves each and every day, often without recognition.”

The overall winner will receive a $10,000 donation to their chosen community group or charity, along with a $1000 Bunnings voucher and a trip for two to the Bunnings Conference (3-4 June).

Each of the four category winners will receive a $750 Bunnings voucher, a $5000 donation to a community group or charity of choice, and a trip for two to the Bunnings Conference.