We are excited to announce your three 2019 successful Westfield Local Heroes for Westfield Airport West.

These inspiring local leaders were nominated and voted for by the community and will now be awarded a $10,000 grant for each of their affiliated organisations to help their important work to grow.

Westfield Local Heroes is a community recognition and grants program, connecting and enriching local communities. Launched in 2018, the program spans our 40 trade areas across Australia and New Zealand. In 2019, we are awarding $1.2 million to 120 local organisations.

In February 2020, we will open nominations for the 2020 Westfield Local Heroes program, so start thinking about those people in your communities who make a difference.

Your three Westfield Airport West Local Heroes are:

Gavin Shaw

EB Research Foundation
Dedicated . Reliable . Determined

Gavin Shaw jumped in to help when he saw the anguish that a rare skin disorder was causing to his friend’s daughter. He is now an invaluable volunteer with the EB Research Foundation, which raises funds for treatments and a cure for epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The genetic illness causes the skin to break and blister, leading to pain, disfigurement and gaping wounds. “My greatest achievement, apart from my family, is being part of the team helping to find a cure for EB, the worst disease you’ve never heard of,” says Gavin.

Find out more >

Mary Chiodo

Copperfield College
Inspirational . Driven . Kind

Copperfield College is a large school with 68 nationalities and low scores for socio-educational advantage. It also has enthusiastic students with a sense of purpose. Kings Park Campus Principal Mary Chiodo has been at the school for 32 years and has played an essential role in creating this positive culture. Mary's standout contribution is the award-winning Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) program, which actively creates connections outside the school for Year 11 and 12 students. “Through the program, 1000 students have given back to their local community and built long-term relationships,” says Mary.

Find out more >

Niketa Loftus

Craigieburn Netball Assoiciation
Selfless . Dedicated . Charitable

Niketa Loftus founded the Craigieburn Thunders Club after volunteering to coach an under-9 netball team in 2014. Most of the players have been together for five years and are undefeated, despite being in a division two age groups older than them. The family-like club has grown to five teams and 81 players and provides a safe, inclusive environment for players regardless of their ability, cultural background or ability to pay. “The main purpose is to provide disadvantaged children and youth a safe haven to play the game they love,” says Niketa.

Find out more >

Recognising all our 2019 nominees

We congratulate all of our finalists and nominees and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community.
View all of the finalists, nominees and their organisations

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