We are excited to announce Rachael Natoli from The Lokahi Foundation as your 2024 Westfield Local Hero for Westfield Bondi!

Westfield is proud to award a community grant of $20K to help Rachael at The Lokahi Foundation to continue to grow their impact in the local community.

The 2024 Westfield Local Heroes program will award 125 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $AUD1.24 million to support local communities.

Your 2024 Westfield Bondi Local Hero is:

Rachael Natoli

The Lokahi Foundation
Brave. Determined. Dedicated.

Rachael Natoli created the The Lokahi Foundation to help women and their children who have experienced domestic and family abuse. She works tirelessly to de-stigmatise domestic abuse and help survivors reclaim their lives.

“I recognise that healing and recovering from abuse can’t be done within a set time limit,” Rachael explains. “Most other services provide caseworker support for six to twelve months, but we support women for as long as they need. I pour my heart and soul into Lokahi, and I want everyone who reaches out for support to feel truly understood.”

In addition to caseworkers, families working with the Lokahi Foundation receive food and clothing, assistance with police reporting, legal and court help, counselling and financial aid. This long-term holistic support allows survivors to form trusting relationships, heal and recover.

Since opening three years ago, the Lokahi Foundation has supported over 160 families in the eastern suburbs. Lokahi now employs three caseworkers and typically assists around 35 clients at any one time.

When Rachael isn't working at Lokahi Foundation, she collects donations of preloved and new clothing, furniture and baby goods for other community groups.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist with the most community votes is the Westfield Bondi Local Hero for 2024, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. The Lokahi Foundation will use the grant to increase its capacity and expand its budget for caseworkers, minimising the wait time for families seeking support.

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

Father David Braithwaite SJ from St Canice’s Kitchen

Father David Braithwaite, Parish Priest and CEO at St Canice's Kitchen, supports over 60,000 homeless people annually. With the help of 350 volunteers, the kitchen serves up 50,000 meals a year. They also provide free showers, laundry, counselling, legal aid, health clinics and job-seeking assistance.

Sam Moyle from Ocean Heroes Australia

Sam Moyle wants to help people with autism experience the ocean safely. So, he co-founded Ocean Heroes Australia in Western Australia in 2016. Then, he single-handedly launched in New South Wales. In 12 months, Sam trained 219 volunteers and organised free monthly surf events on four Sydney beaches, benefitting over 400 participants.

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

Recognising all our 2024 nominees

View all of the Westfield Bondi nominees and their organisations.