If you’ve ever wandered past the Little BIG House in Summer Hill and wondered what makes it feel so welcoming, the answer is simple: people. The kind who show up, share their time, and help make the neighbourhood feel like home.

That is why we were thrilled to be at the Inner West Council Amy Large Volunteer Awards to recognise locals who go above and beyond for their community, and this year, we were proud to see several familiar faces from the Little BIG House honoured. The awards are named after Amy Large, a passionate Inner West resident who dedicated her life to community service, and they’re a reminder of how much impact one person, or one team, can have. Seeing our volunteers celebrated alongside others doing incredible work across the region was a real moment of pride.

The Little BIG Tribe

Our volunteer team, affectionately known as “The Tribe” is now 50+ locals strong. Together they run over 90 events each month, from book clubs and yoga to improv, market days and movie nights. And when someone can’t make it, others step in. It’s community, in every sense of the word.

Together, they’ve clocked up more than 5,000 volunteer hours this year and welcomed over thousands of visits. That’s thousands of moments of community connection.

Sam Freeman – A Quiet Force Behind the Scenes

Sam’s not one to chase the spotlight, but over the past two years, his steady leadership and practical support have helped shape the Little BIG House into what it is today.

He set up our volunteer-led Management Committee and has chaired it ever since. He’s helped secure funding and offered strategic advice not to mentioned he fixes broken gear, runs the occasional event when someone’s sick, and is always thinking one step ahead. Sam brings deep experience, a clear head, and a whole lot of heart, and we’re proud that his work was recognised by Inner West Council this year. You can learn more about Sam here.

Kerrie Bush – Championing Connection for Seniors

Kerrie is a regular at the Little BIG House, not just for what she organises, but for how she makes people feel. She’s the heartbeat of our Seniors Group, gently encouraging others to come along, share a story, and find their people. What she offers isn’t loud or flashy — it’s consistent friendship, which for many, is far more valuable. You can read more about her story here.

Volunteering doesn’t have to mean changing the world. Sometimes, it’s about setting up chairs, sending a reminder text, or giving someone a reason to leave the house that day. It’s these small acts, stacked up over time, that shape the kind of neighbourhood where people feel safe, known, and valued.

So this week, we raise a toast to the many locals who’ve made a little time for others. You’re what makes the Little BIG House, and this community, something special.