Westfield Local Heroes

Parkinson’s NSW Limited

Dean is one of an estimated 400 residents of Burwood living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), a movement and mood disorder with no known cure. He wakes up with pain every day, yet since his diagnosis, he has raised more than $166,000 for Parkinson’s NSW (PNSW), a non-for-profit dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with the condition.

Stepping Stone House

Jason leads Stepping Stone House, a charity supporting homeless youth. Drawing from his own difficult past, he provides care to children and teenagers who’ve experienced homelessness and instability for them to gain their independence. Over 10 years, he’s grown the charity to support 78 people, and continues to advocate for societal and system change.

The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation

As a GP with the Rev Bill Crews Foundation, Nada provides free healthcare to people facing homelessness, trauma, and financial hardship in Ashfield. She treats more than 100 patients per week with complex needs, while also advocating for health equity and systemic change. Nada is a champion of the right to healthcare for everyone.

Stepping Out Program

Melissa Holmes is passionate about supporting and advocating for female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. After a long career working with women and children in mental health and homelessness, she believes that addressing this taboo topic can break cycles of domestic abuse and intergenerational trauma, mitigate risk and empower survivors.

Children’s Tumour Foundation

Robert Craven is a dedicated volunteer for The Children’s Tumour Foundation (CTF), the only support organisation in Australia for people living with neurofibromatosis. Robert helps wherever he sees the need and switches between helping to organise fundraising events, preparing items for camps and using his many skills to support CTF staff.

St Paul’s Burwood

Rosemary King dedicates her time to helping feed pensioners and people experiencing homelessness at St Paul’s Burwood Parish Pantry. As a lay minister, she assists approximately 200 people weekly with nutritious food and advocates for those in need. Rosemary works to break down social isolation and build community connections.

Top Blokes Foundation

Brave Bailey Leighton is on a mission to remove the stigma around mental illness and help young people get the help they need. Bailey is an Ambassador for the Top Blokes Foundation, which offers mentoring programs for boys and young men. The goal is to help them improve their critical thinking, decision-making and relationships with those around them.

Wires Inner West Branch

Kris Spasojevic goes above and beyond as a volunteer at Wires Inner West, where she is available at all hours to help thousands of orphaned or injured animals. Kris takes much of the load and has converted her backyard into a rehabilitation centre. She is a kind mentor for other volunteers and generously shares her knowledge.

Sanctuary Housing

Nicole Harcourt is the founder and leader of Sanctuary Housing, where she provides crisis accommodation, security and meals to 1,200 women and children a year. Nicole started Sanctuary Housing six years ago. In that time, the charity has grown to offer three shelters in the Burwood, Ashfield and Summer Hill areas.