Celebrating the unsung heroes who shape our communities

Heroes Journey – Surf Coast Heroes is a community art initiative dedicated to honouring the extraordinary volunteers who quietly, selflessly, and consistently give their time and energy to strengthen our local communities. Through powerful portraiture and heartfelt storytelling, we shine a light on these everyday legends – preserving their legacy and inspiring generations to come.

Our story

The vision for Heroes Journey has lived in the heart of local photographer Brett Dorron for years – a passion project rooted in gratitude, creativity, and community spirit. Brett has had a long history of giving back to community himself. From volunteering his time and studio spaces to local camera clubs in the 1980s, being a member of Rotary in the 1990s, offering many free photo workshops in Fremantle WA, Germany and Europe in the 2000s and 2010s, and Melbourne VIC after 2012. Brett was also a co-founder, mentor and volunteer with the very successful Camera Recycle Project in Perth WA from 2008 (CameraRecycleProject.wixsite.com).

After moving to the Surf Coast Shire in 2024, Brett knew it was time to bring this Local Hero’s project idea to life. As someone who has spent nearly four decades capturing the human spirit through photography, Brett’s aim is simple: to give back by using his craft to spotlight those who give selflessly.

This first project, Surf Coast Heroes, focuses on the volunteers of the Surf Coast region – those individuals whose dedication often goes unnoticed, yet whose impact is profound. From quiet achievers to tireless organisers, these community champions deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Our mission

To honour and preserve the stories of unsung community volunteers through portraiture and storytelling – celebrating those who serve, inspiring those who follow.

Our vision

A Surf Coast that truly sees its volunteers – not just for what they do, but for the difference they make. We want to lift the veil on everyday acts of generosity and celebrate those who rarely seek the spotlight.

What we do

Heroes Journey will:

• call for nominations: community members can nominate Surf Coast volunteers who make a difference
• select 20–25 local Heroes: a panel will choose a representative group of outstanding Surf Coast volunteers
• capture portraits and stories: each chosen hero will be professionally photographed and their story documented
• exhibit and publish: their portraits and stories will be showcased in a public exhibition and a beautifully printed keepsake coffee table book
• give back: all profits from book sales and fundraising efforts will be donated to local community charities, initiatives, and NFPs.

This project is entirely community-driven by volunteers, and every dollar raised goes directly toward making it happen – and giving back.