Reclink Volunteer John Campbell Named a Bunnings Community Legend

A cornerstone of Werribee Sports Share

For the Werribee community, and for Reclink, John is truly one of a kind.

From collecting and redistributing sporting equipment at our Sports Share hub, to maintaining gardens and supporting day‑to‑day initiatives like cooking meals, John is known as someone you can always rely on.

“I’ve always been generous with my time,” John said. “I just like helping people out.”

John was nominated for the award by Bunnings employee and local community member, Antoinette.

“As soon as I thought of community, I thought of John” she said. “He’s in every part of the community. You just have to ask him, he’ll never say no.”

A once‑in‑a‑lifetime volunteer

Peter Cullen, Reclink Australia Founder says John’s contribution goes far beyond what most people ever see.

“Every now and again, a champion comes along, and that champion is John Campbell,” he said. “He’s probably a once‑in‑a‑lifetime volunteer.”

John was instrumental in helping establish the Werribee bike repair program, personally collecting, repairing, and returning bikes so participants could access safe equipment.

“John would take trailer loads of bikes home, repair them over the weekend, and bring them back ready to go,” Peter said.

John continues to support the hub almost daily, helping ensure activities run smoothly and participants feel welcome. The hub provides a welcoming and inclusive space where people of all ages and abilities can get active and play sport, access quality sporting and recreational equipment, take part in free community activities, and build meaningful connections that foster a strong sense of belonging.

“There’s so much he does that’s invisible,” Peter said. “But it makes a huge difference.”

“What people love about coming here is knowing there’ll be people here every week, it creates connection and belonging,” Peter said.

Building connection through meals and community

Beyond sport, John also sources, prepares, and provides meals for participants at the Werribee hub, helping bring people together and break down isolation.

John sees those shared meals as just as important as the activity itself.

“You get people sitting down together who might not have spoken much all week,” he said. “That’s what I like, seeing people connect.”

A well-deserved recognition

John has previously been awarded Reclink Australia’s National Volunteer of the Year, and his recognition as a Bunnings Community Legend is another fitting celebration of a life dedicated to service.

Through his work at Werribee Sports Share and across the wider community, John embodies what Reclink is all about giving sporting gear a second life and giving people new opportunities to thrive.

For John, the motivation is simple.

“I just like helping people out,” he said. “You feel like you’re making a difference.”

“People ring me every day of the week. If someone needs something and I can help, I just do it,” he said.

The Bunnings Community Legends program celebrates everyday Australians who make a meaningful difference in their local communities. Five Community Legends are recognised each week over a 10‑week period, shining a spotlight on people whose generosity and commitment help communities thrive.