Announcing your 2023 Westfield Local Hero

We are excited to announce Dr Hoda Ragab from Dar al arqam multicultural association (Daama inc) as your 2023 Westfield Local Hero for Carousel.

Westfield is proud to award a community grant of $20K to help Dr Hoda and Dar al arqam multicultural association (Daama inc) 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 Carousel Local Hero is:

Dr Hoda Ragab

Dar al arqam multicultural association (Daama inc)

Entrepreneurial. Inclusive. Kind-hearted

Dr Hoda Ragab gives her all to help newcomers to Australia feel welcome and supported.

Dr Hoda is the Director of the Dar Al Arqam Multicultural Association, which exists to serve people in diverse communities.

Dr Hoda is the driving force behind the association’s educational and social programs. These include cultural lessons for children and events that improve community cohesion for current and future Australian generations.

Dr Hoda loves to help and support others and is always looking for ways to create harmony and inclusion for new migrants from various countries. She does whatever she can to create a sense of family and belonging when people are far away from their biological families.

About 300 people in the local community benefit directly from Dr Hoda’s efforts. Children have an opportunity to participate in lessons, games and sports at the association’s community school. Adolescents and adults are encouraged to get to know each other and build good connections.

Dr Hoda is environmentally focused and ensures communication is via email instead of paper and that the association raises conservation awareness.

Dr Hoda feels proud and honoured to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “Newcomers to Australia need to feel welcomed and have a family,” she says.

Dar Al Arqam Multicultural Association will use its funds for rent and educational support and equipment.

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

Kane Blackman from Good Sammy Enterprises

Generous Kane Blackman is the CEO of Good Sammy Enterprises, a charity that employs 400 people with disability in social enterprises. These include 27 op shops, logistics, recycling and hospitality across the circular economy and service sectors. Good Sammy also offers certified traineeships, academy programs and help with the NDIS. Its op shops are also much loved among shoppers.

Leanne Duca from HeartKids

Leanne Duca goes above and beyond as a volunteer at HeartKids, a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and advocating for families affected by childhood heart disease. For the past four years, she has worked tirelessly as a fundraiser, a kind shoulder to lean on and a keen advocate on social media.

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