Meet Rottnest Express’ Local Legends

Rottnest Express has been an integral part of the Perth and Fremantle community for over 60 years. Community support over this time has been essential – and appreciated. To recognise this, Rottnest Express recently introduced a Local Legends initiative, designed to recognise outstanding individuals, businesses, and not-for-profits making a positive impact in Western Australia. With over 80 nominations received during the four-week nomination period, the initiative highlighted the remarkable number and contributions of local heroes. Rottnest Express is proud to reveal the deserving winners.

In the not-for-profit category, the Broken Crayons Still Colour Foundation (BCSC), run by Rachel Mac, was selected as the winner. Led by real-life survivors of domestic and family violence, this foundation works tirelessly to provide essential support, including exit plans, relocation assistance, and counselling. As a testament to their incredible efforts, BCSC was awarded $2,000 and a trip to Rottnest Island.

The Local Legends business category recognised the Freo Farmers Market, an initiative dedicated to supporting local farmers, producers, and artisans. The market, led by Freo local Kylie Wheatley, fosters community spirit every Sunday morning, providing a space for people to connect, enjoy local food, and celebrate together. The Freo Farmers Market received $2,000 and a trip to Rottnest Island.

In the Local Legends individual category, Rottnest Express acknowledged Ron Gray for his exceptional volunteer work. Affectionately known as the “tin man”, he visits local businesses encouraging as many as possible to display their Cystic Fibrosis WA (CFWA) fundraising tins. Ron’s fundraising efforts, which include collecting donations from local businesses, have raised over $15,000 this year alone, which also awarded him the title of Volunteer of the Year at the CFWA Awards Night. Funds raised by the community go towards research and support services for people living with cystic fibrosis and their families. For his dedication, Ron received $2,000 and a trip to Rottnest Island.

The overall Local Legends title was awarded to the Hero Hunter Foundation. Established in memory of Hunter Leigh Madden, who was three years old when diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia, the foundation aims to ensure that families with children undergoing treatment have access to practical support. Hunter’s parents were grateful for the presence of an extensive support network of family and friends, which provided the framework to allow them to focus their energy on Hunter’s treatment. The Hero Hunter Foundation received a grand prize of $4,000 for being the overall winner, along with a trip to Rottnest Island. Rottnest Express is proud to support the Hero Hunter Foundation’s vision and amplify its message across their network.

This initiative underscores Rottnest Express’s commitment to recognising and uplifting those who make a meaningful difference in the Western Australian community. “Rottnest Express is proud to support these Local Legends. There are so many individuals and businesses deserving of recognition and support and we hope that this initiative helps them realise that their efforts are seen and appreciated,” says Niko Peranovic, General Manager of Rottnest Express.