2026 Toy Well National Awards Winners Announced

This year, the Toy Well Awards were expanded to celebrate not only more outstanding individual volunteers, but also the collective contribution volunteers make in shaping their toy library into a valued community asset.

Toy Well toy libraries simply couldn’t operate without the dedication of hub leaders and, most importantly, the wonderful volunteers who keep their libraries running each week.

And what a better time to celebrate their impact than during National Volunteer Week.

2026 Toy Well Volunteer Awards

Consistent Champion Award 

This award recognises someone who shows up consistently, works with quiet dedication, and brings a calm, reliable presence that helps the toy library run smoothly.

Winner: Neha Malik, St Augustine's Toy Well, Salisbury, South Australia

Finalists: Belinda Reid, Karrendi Toy Well, South Australia, Alana Jelowyi, Korayn Birralee Toy Well, Victoria and Chanpisey Kao, Truganina South Toy Well, Victoria

Community Connector Award 

This award celebrates a volunteer who communicates clearly, shows patience and understanding, and helps families feel confident and welcome through their warm, reliable presence.

Winner: Kirsten Dungo, Sunbury Heights Toy Well, Sunbury, Victoria

Finalists: Kavitha Sarangapani Chockalingam, Tullamarine Toy Well, Victoria and Zohra Rahimi, Dandenong Toy Well, Victoria

Play Champion Award 

This award celebrates a volunteer who brings joy, warmth and enthusiasm to every session, creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels included.

Winner: Kylie Thomas, Korayn Birralee Toy Well, Geelong, Victoria

Finalists: Seemab Sarwat, Dandenong Toy Well and Sonyia Muthuramu, Stevensville Toy Well

2026 Toy Well Toy Library Awards

Growth & Engagement Award 

This award recognises a toy library that’s grown strongly over the past year by welcoming more families and involving more volunteers, making it easy for everyone to join, borrow and take play home.

Winner: Karrendi Toy Well, Parafield Gardens, South Australia

Finalist: Dandenong Toy Well, Victoria

Community Impact Award 

This award recognises a toy library that builds strong connections with local families, creating a warm and supportive experience for everyone, especially families from diverse cultures and languages.

Winner: Truganina South Toy Well, Truganina, Victoria

Finalists: Playford Toy Well, South Australia and Doveton Toy Well, Victoria

Volunteer‑Led Excellence Award 

This award recognises a toy library where volunteers drive its success through strong ownership, teamwork and dedication, helping the library thrive and creating a place families love to visit.

Winner: Korayn Birralee Toy Well, Geelong, Victoria

Finalists: Point Cook Toy Well, Victoria and St Dominic’s Toy Well, Victoria

A huge congratulations to every winner, finalist and nominee — your dedication is what makes Toy Well shine. We’re so proud to celebrate you.

Discover more about the Toy Well Program and how our toy libraries are supporting families across in local communities — head to our website to learn more.