Voting has now closed for Westfield Local Heroes

We congratulate all of our finalists and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community.

This year Westfield will award 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand totalling $1.25M. Now in its 7th year, the Westfield Local Heroes program will have contributed $8.6M to more than 860 successful Local Hero organisations since it began.

Voting has now closed and the Westfield Local Heroes will be announced 15 October.

Meet our Local Hero finalists

Damian McKeegan

St Marys Sporting Club Geelong

Caring. Inclusive. Selfless.

Damian McKeegan is dedicated to enhancing mental health at St Marys Sporting Club. Following a young player's suicide, he initiated a support program addressing mental health, drugs and bullying. As a board member and welfare officer at the club, and a police officer, Damian uses his expertise to support 1,800 members.

If Damian is successful in the community vote, the money will be used to fund development programs within the club including mental health and cultural resilience sessions. The grant will also be used to upgrade facilities within the club to support women’s participation.

LeeAnne Edwards

Lifeline Direct

Empathetic. Resilient. Compassionate.

LeeAnne Edwards is a dedicated crisis supporter for Lifeline Direct. She has spent the last four years volunteering, ensuring no one faces their darkest moments alone. LeeAnne finds it a privilege and blessing to offer emotional support and compassion nationwide.

If LeeAnne is successful in the community vote, the money will help fund the costs associated with running the Lifeline Direct hotline, providing vital training and support to volunteers.

Robert (Rob) Lytzki

Foundation 61

Passionate. Committed. Focused.

Rob Lytzki, founder of Foundation 61, has dedicated nearly 20 years to supporting people in overcoming addiction. His own struggle with addiction from age 14 to 40 inspired him to help others. Foundation 61 is Geelong’s first non-private, not-for-profit residential rehabilitation centre.

If Robert is successful in the community vote, the money will cover the cost of providing rehabilitation to eight women for six months.

Voting is now closed for Westfield Local Heroes.

The successful 2024 Westfield Geelong Local Hero will be announced on 15 October. We congratulate all of our finalists and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community. Thank you for your votes.

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