Announcing your 2023 Westfield Local Hero

We are excited to announce Jeff Kruger from Men's Walk and Talk as your 2023 Westfield Local Hero for Carindale!

Westfield is proud to award a community grant of $20K to help Jeff and Men's Walk and Talk to continue to grow their impact in the local community

The 2023 Westfield Local Heroes program will award 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $1.26 million to support local communities.

For further information or to discover the Westfield Local Heroes at other Westfield centres, visit the Westfield Local Heroes website.

Your 2023 Westfield Carindale Local Hero is:

Jeff Kruger

Men's Walk and Talk

Passionate. Caring. Approachable.

Jeff Kruger has developed a safe, simple and effective way for hundreds of local men to speak about their feelings and improve their wellbeing.

Jeff is the co-founder and treasurer of Men's Walk and Talk, a not-for-profit group that holds weekly gatherings in Minnippi Parklands and at the Manly Boathouse for men to get out in the fresh air and chat about any issues they might have.

Jeff experienced the value of going for a walk and a talk when one of his mates was going through a difficult period.

More than 750 men have connected over the past two years, with about 60 men participating in weekly walks.
In addition, Jeff supports mental health in the community by hosting monthly Men’s Health Mind Workshops at the Hope Hub at Westfield Carindale. He also connects members with expert partners that provide mental health first aid training. Those in need are also connected with counsellors and psychologist that provide professional support.

Jeff feels honoured and humbled to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “When I started this journey, I would have been happy to help one person, but to have started something that has such a positive impact on our community is amazing.”

Men's Walk and Talk will use the use its funds to pay for registering as a charity and to fund 30 counselling sessions for at-risk community members

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

Sandra Sorbello from Beyond DV

Sandra Sorbello has spent five years going above and beyond to help women and children rebuild their lives after domestic and family violence. Sandra is a caring first point of contact for women seeking support at Beyond DV’s HOPE Hub.

Siobhan Wilson Our Pixie Friends

Young Siobhan Wilson dedicates her life to helping other children feel good about themselves and donating money to medical research. Aged 14, Siobhan is the founder of Our Pixie Friends, where she has four ways of helping. These include website resources and picture books about coping with life's challenges and including those who feel isolated.

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