Your 2025 Westfield Chatswood Local Hero is:

Fran Signorelli

Hope In A Suitcase

Empathetic. Selfless. Caring.

When a child enters foster care, they often bring only a plastic bag of belongings, which may have been already dragged from place to place. Through her work in Willoughby with charity Hope in a Suitcase, Fran is committed to helping children displaced from their homes, providing support to families and young people. 

 Fran and the volunteer team fill the suitcases with everyday items to help children through these difficult life changes. Fran goes above and beyond to advertise items needed, accept drop-off donations of clothes, toiletries, toys and suitcases at her home and business, coordinate volunteers to pack the suitcases and liaise with Hope in a Suitcase to distribute them. 

“When I see their faces light up with excitement when they receive their bag, I know we are making a significant difference in a time of great trauma,” Fran says.  

The act of giving vulnerable children and young adults their own suitcase does much more than give them a secure place for their things; it also gives them hope and shows them that their lives are worth more than a plastic bag, which itself may bring embarrassment, hurt, shame, fear, and insecurity.  

Fran explains, “By providing each child with a suitcase full of essential items to call their own, we are sending them a strong message that they matter and that there is hope for them.” 
The $20,000 grant will be used to fund packed suitcases for around 80 children and young adults. 

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

John Hartley from The Rotary Club of Chatswood Roseville

For 34 years, John has volunteered with the Rotary Club of Chatswood Roseville, supporting community projects for children, young people, the elderly, and others in need. His volunteer activities range from building a barbeque shelter, to cooking at fundraising barbeques, transporting people living with disabilities to appointments, and sourcing presents at Christmas for those suffering hardship.

Rachel Krippner from Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney

As Lifeline’s Community Engagement Manager in Willoughby, Rachel creates innovative, accessible mental health services to reach overlooked groups. She fosters safe spaces for crisis support through projects like Connect Library Hubs. Her work has supported thousands, as she aims to play her part in preventing suicide and empowering people to seek help.

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

Recognising all our 2025 nominees

View all of the Westfield Chatswood nominees and their organisations.