At the Playing to Our Strengths Linkwest 2025 conference, the Our Strengths Showcase, stole the show as a true celebration of the innovation, resilience, and compassion that define all Linkwest member Centres. This interactive expo-style event saw twelve Centres present an initiative from the past two years that they are most proud of. From creative displays to hands-on activities, the Showcase buzzed with energy allowing for engagement, connection and idea sharing across the network and beyond.
Showcase exhibitors came from across the member network:
Boyup Brook CRC
Bridgetown Hub/Bridgetown CRC/Greenbushes CRC
Derrick Ernst Neighbourhood Centre
Eaton Community Hive
Hopetoun CRC
Milligan
The Hepburn Centre
West Arthur CRC
Wickepin CRC
William Langford Community House
Williams CRC
Woodlupine Family Centre
Following the Showcase, the Celebration Cocktail Event commended standout initiatives and projects through a series of awards that recognised excellence across Linkwest’s core values.
Linkwest Value Awards:
Member Centred: Hopetoun CRC’s Hopey Home Meals delivers nutritious meals to the community, focusing on those receiving Home Care Packages.
Courageous: Woodlupine Family Centre’s Community Lunch transformed a response to rising living costs into a thriving weekly event fostering connection, learning, and support.
Future Ready: Williams CRC’s Rhyme Time PLUS enriched early childhood development by combining Rhyme Time with specialist-led activities.
Cormac Russell Connected Communities Award: Bridgetown Hub, Bridgetown CRC and Greenbushes CRC’ ACTIVATE 2024 hosted 10 workshops and community sessions, empowering over 220 attendees and resulting in a Community Action Plan for the region.
Dr Carmen Lawrence Award: The Hepburn Centre, in partnership with No Limits Perth, delivered vital wrap-around crisis support hubs across Joondalup and Wanneroo, modelling true collaborative care.
People’s Choice Award: The Den – Gay Dads Playgroup united organisations to support Rainbow Families, advocating for inclusion and equitable services.
Congratulations to all Centres involved! The work being done by Centres across the state showcases that they are the heart of their communities. Here's to another year of learning from each other and celebrating what Centres do best.