The 26-year-old has been recognised by Bunnings as one of its local Community Legends, to celebrate her outstanding contribution to the Mafeking Rover Park Scouts and fighting the January 2026 Highland bushfires.
Charmaine is one of five Community Legends recognised nationally this week as part of the Bunnings Community Legends Awards.
These shine a spotlight on everyday Australians who strengthen pride, inclusion, resilience or wellbeing in their communities.
After experiencing first hand the devastation of the Black Saturday bushfires in Lake Eildon in 2009, Charmaine recognised the vital importance of stepping up for her community.
A Scout since the age of six and now a full-time long-haul truck driver, Charmaine answered the call once again during the January 2026 Highland bushfires.
Playing a critical role in supporting the Highland community, Charmaine co-ordinated deliveries of essential supplies including food, water, hay and generators to affected families and farmers.
Driven by her commitment to those surrounded by debris and loss, she helped lead recovery and fundraising efforts to aid in the rebuild of both her community and the Mafeking Rover Park.
Serving as a volunteer Scout leader and treasurer at Rover Park, Charmaine is determined to pass on the values that Scouting instilled in her to the younger generation of the Victorian Highland community — teaching them the importance of service, resilience and caring for the land.
Over the past two months, Bunnings team members and community partners from across Australia have been nominating local legends within their communities, sharing stories that celebrate everyday Australians who are doing extraordinary things in their local area.
Charmaine was recognised by a Bunnings team member from its Seymour store.
Bunnings head of community, partnership and events Michelle Walter said the initiative reflected Bunnings’ strong connection to local communities across Australia.
“In every community, there are people quietly going above and beyond to support others, often without recognition,” she said.
“The Community Legends Awards are about shining a light on those everyday Australians who make a genuine difference where they live, and we’re thrilled to recognise Charmaine’s critical role supporting the Highland community.”
New national research commissioned by Bunnings found Australians deeply value their local legends, yet fewer than one in five can name one in their own community, highlighting the importance of recognising those who support others behind the scenes.
Key findings include:
- Local legends live in legendary communities — more than 70 per cent of Australians report a strong sense of belonging within their local communities, with the biggest drivers including feeling safe and welcome, access to shared spaces and knowing their neighbours.
- Safety is a cornerstone of thriving communities: the average safety score is 7.5 out of 10, and 60 per cent of Australians say they feel “extremely safe” in their local area.
- Nine out of 10 Australians (93 per cent) say local places that help people meet and connect are important, with an average importance score of 7.9 out of 10.
Community Legends are recognised across four categories:
- Community Pride Legend — fostering connection, belonging and local pride.
- Community Resilience Legend — supporting communities through challenge and change.
- Community Inclusion Legend — championing diversity and accessibility.
- Community Wellbeing Legend — strengthening wellbeing, safety and opportunity.
Charmaine has been nominated as a Community Resilience Legend and will go into the running to be one of the five shortlisted, culminating in one winner being announced in June.
The overall Community Legends 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.
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.
Fifty Community Legends will be recognised in total, as this campaign focuses on recognising and rewarding local legends who are making a genuine difference across Australia.
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