Your 2025 Westfield Airport West Local Hero is:

Nessryn Tabiaat

St John Ambulance Victoria

Mentor. Inclusive. Lifesaving..

Through her training and mentoring of young St John Ambulance responders at Pascoe Vale Girls College, 21-year-old Nessryn plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of volunteers.  

In three years, Nessryn has already dedicated more than 900 hours to the program, teaching students at the school all aspects of first aid, from bites to stings, defibrillation and radio communications.  

“One of my proudest moments was when a youth member recognised stroke symptoms in their grandmother, remembered the FAST criteria, and called an ambulance,” says Nessryn.  “Their parents were amazed by their composure.”  

That composure is part of the wider set of skills that the girls learn with Nessryn’s support; through her training, they develop their leadership abilities and social confidence, and how to respond in emergencies.  

Nessryn hopes to pass the long-lasting and community benefits of paramedic volunteering to all her students. 

“Growing up in a low-income area with low health literacy, I saw firsthand how a lack of medical knowledge can impact families,” she says. 

“Joining the St John Youth Program was life changing. It increased my health literacy, sparked my passion for first aid, and ultimately inspired me to pursue paramedicine. If just one person I have trained saves a life, then every hour I have volunteered has been worth it.”  

The $20,000 grant will be used for the St John Ambulance free mobile CPR training, including staff costs, equipment upgrades and volunteer training.

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We’d like to thank and acknowledge our finalists who will receive a $5K grant for the organisation they represent...

Alison Bradshaw from Canine Comprehension

Alison Bradshaw empowers mentors to deliver therapy dog-led programs that support young people facing emotional, social, or learning challenges. Her work with Canine Comprehension promotes inclusion, builds resilience, and nurtures wellbeing for students across Melbourne—especially those who are neurodivergent or experiencing anxiety.

Nikki Firmin from DV Safe Phone

Drawing on her own experience and resilience, Nikki works for the charity DV Safe Phone, providing free mobile phones to victims of domestic violence. Through the partner network of police forces, hospitals and safe houses, Nikki and the incredible team at DV Safe Phone helps more than 100 women every week receive a device that gives them a vital link to safety.

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If you need support, please phone Lifeline: 13 11 14

Recognising all our 2025 nominees

View all of the Westfield Airport West nominees and their organisations.