Your 2025 Westfield Bondi Local Hero is:

Dr Judy Friedlander

Planting Seeds

Passionate. Knowledgeable. Inspiring.

With the knowledge that urban areas can be biodiversity hotspots for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, Judy started her not-for-profit to give people a way to help these species survive. “I know that children and adults are desperately looking for ways to help species loss and climate change,” says Judy. 

Her organisation, PlantingSeeds, works to nurture the native vegetation in urban and suburban areas that supports endangered pollinators, sustainability and biodiversity.  Judy’s flagship program, The B&B Highway, brings schools and communities together to create ‘bed and breakfasts’ for pollinators, providing them with food, shelter and rest.  Judy believes it’s been a revelation to many of those who take part. 

 “When I started, schools did not believe me when I said that we could install stingless native bee hives and these bees make honey. Now, five years later, everyone wants a stingless beehive!” she says.  “We are experiencing huge biodiversity losses but can help in our neighbourhoods,” adds Judy. 

 PlantingSeeds has collaborated with more than 20 schools in and around Bondi, and there are now more than 200 B&B highways nationwide, with a 10% biodiversity increase in B&B locations.  Judy also works with local educators, garden nurseries and libraries, and has succeeded in securing support from the Department of Education and the CSIRO. 

The $20,000 grant will be used to fund a B&B Highway program for four schools, as well as plants, staff training, educational resources and biodiversity assessments.

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

Gareth Robinson from Bondi Surf Bathing Life Saving Club
Gareth plays a key role at Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, focusing on youth development and wellbeing. He leads the Bondi Cadets program, the annual Wellbeing Patrol, and helps develop mental health advocates on patrol. His efforts support the 1,600+ club members and the many visitors to Bondi Beach.

Tony Smythe from Eastside Radio
For 17 years, Tony has been amplifying local music and stories while nurturing new broadcasters through his work at community radio station Eastside Radio in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Tony welcomes diversity and independent music, remains committed to bringing the community together, and tackles problems - such as wild weather knocking out the antennae – head on.

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

Recognising all our 2025 nominees

[View all of the Westfield Bondi nominees and their organisations.]