We are excited to announce Lisa Milkovic from Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support as your 2024 Westfield Fountain Local Hero!

Westfield is proud to award a community grant of $20K to help Lisa Milkovic at Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support 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 – totaling $AUD1.24 million to support local communities.

Your 2024 Westfield Fountain Gate local Hero is:

Lisa Milkovic

Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support

Compassionate. Tireless. Selfless.

Lisa Milkovic volunteers up to six days a week as a food coordinator at Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support, ensuring over 1,500 people in need receive meals and groceries every week. With Lisa's support, Transit also provides a sit-down three-course meal twice weekly.

"I simply love Transit. It's more than just a place – it is a genuine community,” Lisa explains. “What fills me with joy is connecting with guests – a comforting hug, a smile, a hand on their shoulder. Listening to their stories deeply moves me and reminds me of the importance of love and support over material things."

Lisa's role involves sourcing donations, organising deliveries and collaborating with major food supply organisations. But she also takes time to connect with guests, offering comfort and understanding. Her empathy and dedication have transformed Transit into more than just a food distribution service; it is a sanctuary of hope and dignity for those in need.

Lisa is dedicated to making a difference, ensuring sure no one goes hungry and advocating for marginalised people. Through her invaluable contributions, she positively impacts the health and wellbeing of the local community while ensuring the dignity of the guests she serves.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist with the most community votes is the Westfield Fountain Gate Local Hero for 2024, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support will use the grant to purchase food and essentials supplies, helping more than 1,500 families in the community every week.

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

Natalie Thomson from Warriors 4 Wildlife

Natalie Thomson co-founded Warriors 4 Wildlife after realising the scale of need for support in the wildlife industry. The organisation provides wildlife rescue and transportation services, support for wildlife shelters, and rescue training and education services. Under her leadership, the organisation has grown to support over 100 local wildlife carers.

Nyachan Nyak from NAS Recovery Centre

Nyachan Nyak is committed to helping people in the African-Australian community who are struggling with addiction and mental health issues. She aims to create a healthier, more resilient community and helps over 300 locals with holistic programs through her organisation NAS Recovery Centre. “Seeing clients turn their lives around fuels my motivation,” says Nyachan.

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

Recognising all our 2024 nominees

View all of the Westfield Fountain Gate nominees and their organisations.