Your 2025 Westfield Carousel Local Hero is:

Judy Potter

People Helping People International

Passionate. Resilient. Tenacious.

Judy’s charity People Helping People started with Piper, her rescued companion dog anda pot of soup that she shared with her neighbours during the Covid-19 pandemic. This small act of giving food during lockdown was reciprocated by others in Judy’s neighbourhood,   transforming the community’s generosity into a foundation that now provides food, community events,  education to people in need in Bentley and St James.  

Judy’s passion for helping comes from her own experiences of feeling isolated and in financial hardship. “In a previous life I thought I knew what it was like to have nothing, but now that I am on the other side I can’t bear to see people not getting the support they need,” she says. 

The support offered by Judy and her 40 plus volunteers reach not only their local community but throughout the City of Canning.   
Every week, they give free food hampers to more than 70 families and cook a weekly free community dinners that feed more than  40 people.   
They also run youth programs, senior mentors, life skills workshops, community clean-up days and crime and safety programs . Throughout, Judy is dedicated to uplifting those around her. 
“Life is full of challenges that I navigate as best I can. For me, People Helping People is how I heal myself and others. Just one person can make the difference in someone’s life.”  

The $20,000 grant will be used to fund community and youth programs including emergency assistance for pet care, workshops, venue hire, community clean-ups and special calendar events.

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

Andrew McGovern from McGovern Foundation
Andrew co-founded The McGovern Foundation to offer supervised driving and mentoring to disadvantaged people facing barriers to obtaining their licence. This brings independence and stability, as participants who learn to drive can more easily attend jobs, education and social activities. With over 580 licences achieved since 2021, the program promotes inclusion and inspires personal growth through strong learner-mentor relationships.

Maryann Tsai from Reach Her Inc
Since 2022, Maryann’s charity Reach Her Inc has helped over 800 women in Bentley and Victoria Park, by giving them the skills to support their financial independence and personal wellbeing. Inspired by her own challenges, Maryann has created programs offering mentorship, scholarships, and business training, that bring personal growth, professional success, and emotional resilience.

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

Recognising all our 2025 nominees

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