Mount Lawley Golf Club member Tim McAuliffe has been named the national Volunteer of the Year in the 2026 Golf Australia National Awards of Excellence.
The award celebrates McAuliffe’s extraordinary contribution to Mount Lawley GC, where the volunteer group he leads contributed 4,500 hours in 2025 alone, including securing the club as a native fauna relocation site for 37 quenda and building protective “quenda bungalows” on the course.
An environmental scientist by profession, McAuliffe (pictured above) has steered the club’s course volunteer group since 2019, overseeing 1,921 native plantings and co-authoring the club’s Beyond the Fairways Strategy and Vegetation Management Plan.
In addition, he chairs the Environment and Sustainability Committee, drives the water management strategy and co-coordinated more than 100 volunteers for the WA Open in October 2025.
McAuliffe’s efforts have helped Mount Lawley win numerous sustainability accolades — including the Environmental Award at the 2026 WA Golf Industry Awards in March. McAuliffe was also named as the Volunteer of the Year at the same ceremony.
In accepting the national award, McAuliffe was quick to pay tribute to his fellow volunteers at Mount Lawley GC.
“We are very lucky to have a core group who generously give many, many hours to the club,” he said.
“I think the key motivator is seeing the on-ground improvements we make each year. We see the native plants we reintroduce thrive, we see the quenda scuttle about in the bush and we get fantastic feedback from members, who appreciate what we do.
“The combination of knowing you are doing the right thing and seeing the real-world results of your work is a great motivator for people who care and who have the time to make a difference.”
Club General Manager Troy O’Hern added: “Volunteers like Tim are central to what makes Mount Lawley GC such a special community. They bring expertise, generosity and a deep sense of care for the club. This strengthens both our environment and the connections between our members.
“Tim has helped us see what is possible when professional knowledge and personal passion come together. His contribution is creating a lasting environmental legacy and inspiring others to play their part.
“We are immensely proud to see him recognised as the national Volunteer of the Year. It is a thoroughly deserved honour.”
Tim and his team of volunteers have reintroduced nearly 2,000 native plants over the past few years
Now in its second year, the Golf Australia National Awards of Excellence recognise clubs, venues, partners and individuals who are setting new standards across the game.
The 2026 winners span seven states and territories, from remote Arnhem Land to inner-city Melbourne, reflecting the depth and diversity of leadership across Australian golf.
Find out about the national award winners here.
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