Mum fights for children’s future

Australian Parents for Climate Action
Caring. Dedicated. Tireless

Deanna Hayes is a mum and full-time operating theatre nurse, yet she finds time to campaign in her local community about the impact of climate change.As a dedicated volunteer for Australian Parents for Climate Action (AP4CA), Deanna also makes a positive impact at her hospital, where she and a colleague coordinate a green team focused on recycling and waste management.

Deanna has turned her passion for the environment into action. She enthusiastically advocates for a safe climate for our children’s future by educating her community. She is proud to have personally collected the 10,000th signature in AP4CA’s Solar our Schools campaign, which calls on the federal government to fund solar panels and batteries for every school and early childhood centre.

Deanna was so proud when the NSW government launched a multimillion-dollar pilot renewable energy program off the back of the campaign. “It demonstrates how community efforts can help implement big positive change.”

“I’m motivated by my love for my children and my profound respect for the local and global environment,” Deanna says.

She is proud it was her teenage son who nominated her as a Westfield Local Hero. “It makes me feel like such a valued mother, community member and AP4CA volunteer. It motivates me to continue my work.”

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. Australian Parents for Climate Action will use its funding to train volunteer parents to lobby for their children’s future.

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