Your 2026 Westfield Chatswood Local Hero is:

Peter Quinn

Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney

Compassionate. Courageous. Committed.

Peter Quinn has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney.

As an inspiring leader in community sports, Peter draws on his own experience of loss to help clubs support the mental health and wellbeing of players.

His instinct for helping those who might be struggling - and his drive to act on it - emerged after his brother took his own life ten years ago.

“I came to understand that I had an ability to see and help people going through their own personal and mental health struggles,” says Peter.

“I have learnt how important it is to be…willing to ask questions and truly help.”

Peter does exactly that through his voluntary work. He founded Mates in Mind, along with Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury and the charity Mentoring Men, giving sports clubs the tools to strengthen mental health wellbeing and tackle stigma.

Following the Bondi Beach attacks, he stepped forward to join the Lifeline community response team. He has also given up his time to help elderly people experiencing loneliness, visiting retirement homes with his dog Maple and offering companionship and compassion.

“In this community, I have truly felt that it is a village where people look out for each other, including others looking out for my own family,” says Peter.

“The volunteer work is just my way of being part of the village,” he adds.

We'd like to thank and acknowledge our finalists who will receive a $5,000 grant for the organisation they represent

Gerard Hewson

Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT

Influential. Motivating. Passionate.

Six-time Paralympian Gerry started the Lane Cove Cockatoos wheelchair basketball club in early 2026 to open the sport to local people with disabilities and help build their confidence. Through his mentorship, the players have already gone from strength to strength, while the club has become a local gathering point for their families and the community.

Max Harpham

The Shepherd Centre - For Deaf Children

Inspiring. Dedicated. Driven

Born profoundly deaf, Max’s childhood was transformed by specialist support from The Shepherd Centre, giving him the chance to play and learn with his hearing peers from an early age. He now volunteers as a mentor for Hear For You, ensuring young deaf people are offered the same life-changing experiences and opportunities.

---

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Chatswood's nominees and their organisations.

2027 Nominations Now Open

Do you know someone making a difference in your community? Tell us in 200 words why they should be a Westfield Local Hero and they could receive a $20,000 grant for their organisation.

Find out more here