National real estate company The Agency Group Australia, in partnership with 9News, is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious Best of the West awards, held last week at a gala event at Fraser’s Restaurant in Perth. Each winner was awarded a $25,000 cheque from The Agency Group for their incredible work within the Western Australian community.
This year’s Best of the West winners were:
Wheelchairs for Kids
An entirely volunteer-driven not-for-profit organisation, Wheelchairs for Kids designs, builds, and distributes rough terrain wheelchairs to children in impoverished and under resourced communities both in Australia and around the globe. Since 1998, they have provided more than 54,000 wheelchairs to over 90 locations worldwide, offering life-changing support to children in areas with limited resources. Wheelchairs for Kids is a project of the Rotary Club of Scarborough, Western Australia, supported by the Christian Brothers. WA winner of the 2025 Senior Australian of the Year, Brother Thomas Oliver (Olly) Pickett AM, played a key role in the foundation of Wheelchairs For Kids.
For more information on Wheelchairs For Kids, please click here.
Wheelchairs For Kids Australia CEO Greg Hebble (right) and Wheelchairs For Kids Australia volunteer Jenny Prince (second from left) accepting the Best of the West $25,000 cheque from The Agency Group National Founder and Executive Director Paul Niardone.
Operation Sunshine WA
Operation Sunshine WA is a Perth-based volunteer-run charity that supports children and young people in out-of-home care and those escaping domestic violence. Their signature initiative, the Sunshine Pack, provides essential items to those in need, while their Courage Kit assists women fleeing domestic violence. The organisation also runs an annual Christmas Appeal to bring hope to vulnerable families.
For more information on Operation Sunshine WA, please click here.
Operation Sunshine WA’s secretary and founding member Erin Tan accepting the Best of the West $25,000 cheque from The Agency Group National Founder and Executive Director Paul Niardone.
Celebrating the Finalists
In addition to the two deserving winners, The Agency Group also acknowledge the following finalists for their outstanding contributions to the community:
- Bridge Builders*
- Chris’s Kitchen*
- Little Things for Tiny Tots*
- The Saba Rose Foundation*
- Feed it Forward • Sam Spares*
- Community Stitches WA*
- 20 Talk
- The Essentials Collective
*Recipient of Best of the West $5,000 grant during 2024
The Agency Group is proud to have partnered with 9News since 2020 to sponsor these awards, recognising extraordinary individuals and organisations who dedicate their time, talent, and resources to making a real and lasting difference in Western Australia.
“We are honoured to celebrate the incredible achievements of these organisations that are making a profound impact on the lives of individuals in need,” said The Agency's National Founder and Executive Director Paul Niardone.
“Wheelchairs for Kids and Operation Sunshine are exceptional examples of selfless dedication, and we are thrilled to support them with these well-deserved grants.”
A Night to Remember
At the event, held at Fraser’s Restaurant in Kings Park, The Agency Group welcomed Channel 9’s Managing Director, Clive Bingwa, and Group Business Manager, Robin Rapose, as special guests. Also present were representatives from the eleven finalist charities who all embody the spirit of generosity and service to the community.
“This evening was about recognising the unsung heroes of WA,” said Mr Niardone. “From empowering individuals with disabilities to providing safe spaces for survivors of domestic violence, these organisations are truly changing lives and strengthening the fabric of our community.
“As part of The Agency's ongoing commitment to supporting local communities, the Best of the West awards continue to shine a light on those who make a meaningful difference. The Agency Group is proud to help elevate these organisations and amplify their important work.”
For more information on the Best of the West awards and the incredible work being done across Western Australia, visit here.