Ali Halkic

Bully Zero
Dedicated. Selfless. Determined

Ali Halkic has reached more than 500,000 people with his bullying prevention workshops since he set up his Bully Zero organisation.

Ali’s son Allem was just 17 when he took his own life in 2009 after being relentlessly bullied online by a former friend.

From that moment, Ali has been in the public eye highlighting the dangers of cyberbullying. These include severe anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.

Ali established Bully Zero eight years ago to garner community support for the thousands of Australians who experience bullying every day.

The non-profit’s workshops help young people, parents and the wider community understand the impact people’s actions can have on others, even if they are bystanders.

Ali’s team also deliver a three-year program in workplaces. About one in four workplace mental health claims are caused by bullying.

Ali is proud that his evidence-based bullying prevention workshops resonate with young people, parents, teachers and employees.

He says his nomination as a Westfield Local Hero honours his son. “His tragic loss has equipped me with the tools to educate the community about bullying and the risks associated with it. Ultimately, these tools help save lives,” he says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Bully Zero will use its funds to deliver 20 bullying prevention workshops.

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For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here