We are excited to announce Damian McKeegan from St Marys Sporting Club Geelong as your 2024 Westfield Geelong Local Hero!

Westfield is proud to award a community grant of $20K to help Damian McKeegan at St Marys Sporting Club Geelong 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 Geelong Local Hero is:

Damian McKeegan

St Marys Sporting Club Geelong

Caring. Inclusive. Selfless.

Damian McKeegan is committed to improving the mental health of players and officials at St Marys Sporting Club.

After the tragic suicide of a young player several years ago, Damian established a comprehensive support program for all players. The program focuses on education about mental health, drugs and bullying along with providing sporting development opportunities and programs. Welfare officers are a crucial component of the Player Development Program, providing confidential support and referrals to players. Damian’s efforts ensure that every player receives strong support in their sporting and personal life.

When Damian isn't supporting the sports club as a board member and welfare officer, he works as a police officer. In his role with the police force, Damian has gained firsthand experience with mental health, drugs and alcohol issues. This experience makes him an ideal person to support young people in the club.

"I'm passionate about supporting club members through our Player Development Program," Damian explains. "I established the program to maximise the potential of our players both on and off the field, assisting them through their young years and into adult life."

Damian's work benefits approximately 1,800 members, including 800 players and their families. Damian says he is motivated "to help others and create a better community."

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist with the most community votes is the Westfield Geelong Local Hero for 2024, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. St Marys Sporting Club will use the grant 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.

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

LeeAnne Edwards from Lifeline Direct

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.

Robert (Rob) Lytzki from Foundation 61

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.

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

Recognising all our 2024 nominees

View all of the Westfield Geelong nominees and their organisations.