Meet Rita Prasad-Ildes - Westfield Local Heroes 2021

Beacon of hope

World Wellness Group
Brave. Selfless. Compassionate

Rita Prasad-Ildes has helped thousands of vulnerable and marginalised people in the 10 years since she co-founded the non-profit World Wellness Group which runs the World Wellness Clinic

Rita is a former public-sector healthcare worker with no previous business experience. Still, she and her team have managed to juggle patient care and fundraising to make their thriving social enterprise a beacon of hope for people in need.

She started the clinic because she could not stand by while people fell through the gaps in the healthcare system

One of Rita’s greatest rewards is when clients come back to the clinic to tell us how we made a difference to their lives.

The clinic provides medical, nursing allied health, and mental health care to people from all walks of life, including those who can't pay. It also offers a food pantry for those in need and is a haven for people in despair.

The compassionate and resourceful team go beyond health treatment. They also tackle their patients’ underlying issues such as housing insecurity, racism and domestic violence.

“I am humbled to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero as I believe that anyone in my position would have done the same. This nomination isn't just for me but for everyone who has helped us along the way,” says Rita.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The World Wellness Group will use its funds for staff training and to extend its service area via telehealth.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here