For more than 10 years, the Yarrawonga Lions Club building has transformed into a hub of purpose each Tuesday as Debbie Van Corler and her “Turban Angels” pursue their passion for making free headwear for cancer patients.
In a town known for its quiet achievers, one local woman is now being recognised on a national stage for her extraordinary compassion and community service.
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Yarrawonga’s Debbie Van Corler has been nominated for the Bunnings Community Legend Award following a heartfelt nomination from Bunnings Yarrawonga Activities Organiser Tim Roadley.
Debbie founded the Made with Love Chemotherapy Turban Angels Project after her mother lost her hair during cancer treatment. Unable to find suitable headwear at the time, she sewed a turban herself, a simple act of love that grew into a life-changing community movement.
Today, that movement has provided more than 87,000 handmade turbans, caps and bandanas to people undergoing cancer treatment across Australia and overseas.
Around 15 dedicated women, known as the “Angels”, gather each Tuesday in the Yarrawonga Lions Club wool pavilion at the Showgrounds to sew, talk, support one another and help restore dignity to people facing cancer.
Debbie said the group has become just as important as the work itself.
“My girls own my heart,” she said.
“They are the most amazing group of women you could ever meet. Some walk in here carrying heavy things from home, but by the time they leave, they’re smiling again. We are family.”
The overall Community Legends winner will receive a $10,000 donation to their chosen community group or charity, along with a $1,000 Bunnings voucher and a trip for two to the Bunnings Conference.
Turban Angels Project founder Debbie Van Corler and Bunnings Yarrawonga activities organiser Tim Roadley.
Now 69 and turning 70 on June 4, the day the national award will be announced in Sydney, Debbie said the nomination was deeply humbling.
“I just do what I do. If we were lucky enough to win, I’d love to replace some of the sewing machines and overlockers for my girls because they work so hard every week.”
A breast cancer survivor herself, Debbie said her own journey gives her a deep understanding of those she now supports.
“I’ve walked that journey. When people send photos wearing their turbans, I know exactly what it means to them. It’s about helping people feel like themselves again,” Debbie said.
About 18 months ago, Debbie also began making Kool Kidz inspirational bandanas for children battling cancer, featuring bright designs and uplifting messages such as “I smell pizza”, “Homework sucks”, “Cancer sucks” and “Live, love, laugh”, intended to bring comfort and confidence during difficult times.
“It’s something to put a smile on the kids’ faces,” she said.
Despite receiving an OAM for her service to the community through charitable contributions, along with numerous other accolades, Debbie remains firmly focused on the work and the people behind it.
“I’d like to thank Bunnings, and particularly Tim Roadley, for the honour of the nomination,” she said.
Tim Roadley said the decision to nominate Debbie was an easy one.
“I believe there’s only one person in town who fits the criteria,” he said.
“What Debbie has created started small here in Yarrawonga and has now reached across Australia and into eight countries.
“I can’t think of anything else locally that has grown like that or made such an impact on people’s wellbeing.”
Tim said the project’s value extended well beyond the handmade items.
“It’s a double impact,” he said.
“Yes, they’re making turbans for people going through chemotherapy, but it’s also giving connection and purpose to the women who come here every week.
“In communities like ours, loneliness can be a real issue, especially for older people. This project gives people somewhere to belong.”
Tim, who has worked at Bunnings Warehouse since the Yarrawonga store opened nearly a decade ago, said supporting local communities was central to the company’s values.
“We live here too. That’s what Bunnings is about, giving back to the communities we’re part of.”
The Turban Angels Project is an official Lions Club District project.
Debbie is one of 50 Community Legends recognised through the campaign, which focuses on acknowledging and rewarding local legends making a genuine difference across Australia.
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