Announcing your 2024 Westfield Local Hero

We are excited to announce Jodi Traves from Bridgecare Limited as your 2024 Westfield Local Hero for Chermside!

Westfield is proud to award a community grant of $20K to help Jodi Traves at Bridgecare Limited to continue to grow their impact in the local community.

The 2024 Westfield Local Heroes program will award 125 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $AUD1.24 million to support local communities.

Your 2024 Westfield Chermside Local Hero is:

Jodi Traves

Bridgecare Limited
Compassionate. Inspirational. Dedicated.

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As CEO of Bridgecare Ltd Ltd, Jodi Traves aims to provide judgement-free, community-led support to vulnerable people in our community.

"After school, I worked for Social Security and came to appreciate how difficult it was for people living through poverty and trauma. So much more than money is needed to solve these problems," Jodi explains. "I believe real change and transformation takes place in healthy communities, where people can find hope and grow through relationships and connections. Where they are affirmed and supported to believe they are worthy of love, friendship and a better future."

Jodie coordinates a team of 80 volunteers and two part-time employees to provide community support for around 230 homeless people and distribute 30-40 food hampers weekly. In the current cost-of-living crisis, requests for assistance are only growing.

Jodie and her team also provide in-home support and friendship to isolated and overwhelmed people. Volunteers help with gardening, odd jobs and even cook. The aim isn't just to provide for people's immediate needs; it's also to provide social connection.

Jodi’s work has had immeasurable impact on many community members who are struggling. She tirelessly to care for the local community and to recruit and motivate volunteers to actively support the disadvantaged.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist with the most community votes is the Westfield Chermside Local Hero for 2024, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. Bridgecare Ltd will use the grant to expand Bridgecare's capacity to purchase and store food, including fresh and frozen food supplied through OzHarvest. By purchasing a commercial fridge/freezer and utilising shed space in a neighbouring church, Jodi can launch a new community pantry to help feed locals.

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

Chermside Local Heroes Finalists

Bianca Campling from A Brave Life

Bianca Campling is the Baby Bundle Coordinator at A Brave Life. She supports vulnerable new mothers facing domestic violence, homelessness and mental health issues. Bianca provides essential baby items to over 1,500 mothers annually, ensuring they are equipped to care for themselves and their newborns. Her dedication profoundly impacts the community, offering vital resources and support.

Ben Bjarnesen from LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation

Ben Bjarnesen founded the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation to bridge gaps in service and support within LGBTQ+ communities. The foundation provides crucial education and resources, reaching over 7.3 million people in the past year. Ben’s work also promotes safer, more inclusive support systems in government and non-government agencies.

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