Your 2025 Westfield Geelong Local Hero is:

Jan McGowan

Christ Church Community Meals Program

Compassionate. Driven. Dynamic.

Every day for 35 years, Jan has been providing meals for people in need in her Geelong community. Now in her mid-80s, Jan is as committed as ever to ensuring that meals are provided on a daily basis, come what may. The program, run from Christ Church Geelong, was the only service in the area to offer meals day-in, day-out during Covid-19. “The real crux is that the guests know they can rely on breakfast being available every day, which makes me proud,” says Jan.  

Around 500 people every week access the meals service, some of them travelling long distances to get there. Jan makes sure that the food is of high quality and healthy, and that alongside it, people have the opportunity for a friendly chat and community interaction.  

Jan is a firm believer that everyone who comes should be treated equally and with kindness. “Food served with respect and compassion, ensuring no one goes away empty-handed - this drives me,” she says. 
“Voluntary work is an extension of my view that we should work for the betterment of all and that our society is judged on how we treat those less fortunate than ourselves,” she adds. As well as serving meals, Jan also works hard to raise awareness of the program, which is entirely funded by community generosity. 

The $20,000 grant will be used to fund more food for the program, and the replacement of ageing equipment.

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

Louise Larkin from Friend in me

The charity, Friend in Me, was founded by Louise to support children with additional needs, providing inclusive spaces through programs, events, and sensory tools. She has helped more than 5,000 families in Melbourne and Geelong with her guidance, practical help and understanding. Louise is driven by seeing children thrive and make friends, and by helping families feel supported and connected.

Roxie Bennett from Barwon Health Foundation

Over two decades, Roxie has dedicated more than 5,000 volunteer hours to her Geelong community. She champions many different causes, including Barwon Health, Lifeline Geelong, and animal welfare. She uses her media skills, and her passion for the region, to raise awareness, fundraise, and inspire others to take action.

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

Recognising all our 2025 nominees

View all of the Westfield Geelong nominees and their organisations.