We are excited to announce your 2022 successful Westfield Local Hero for Hornsby.

The successful Westfield Local Heroes organisation, will receive a grant of $20,000 to help them continue to grow their impact in the local community. Westfield will award 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $1.26 million.

In early 2023, we will open nominations for the 2023 Westfield Local Heroes program, so start thinking about those people in your communities who make a difference.

Your 2022 Westfield Hornsby Local Hero is:

Rebecca Holton

Catholic Care Homelessness Team
Innovative. Compassionate. Dedicated

Rebecca Holton has responded to a community need as the driving force for Dom’s Place, a new Hornsby hub that provides social support and connection for homeless people and those facing isolation.

The hub is funded by community donations and run by CatholicCare, where Rebecca is a homelessness program lead.

No case is too difficult for Rebecca, and she is known to keep trying where others might give up. She started advocating for the hub five years ago and put together a business plan to make it a reality. The fact that it is open is testimony to her willingness to go above and beyond to help those in need.

True to Rebecca’s vision, Dom’s Place is a one-stop shop for anyone to pop in for a meal, wash their clothes or chat with a social worker about their housing needs. A vulnerable young person could visit for a game of pool with their friends. Another might access cooking classes or connect with services that provide volunteer and employment pathways.

The centre also offers case management, mental health support and various types of counselling.

“I have seen how social isolation negatively influences people's lives, and I am passionate about making people feel like they belong somewhere,” Rebecca says.

CatholicCare will put the grant towards covering the rent for the hub.

We also congratulate our finalists who will receive a $5,000 grant for the organisation they represent, and we thank them for their incredible contribution to the local community.

Helen Jarvis from KYDS Youth Development Service
Ku-ring-gai Citizen of the Year Helen Jarvis works tirelessly as Chair of KYDS Youth Development Service, which provides free mental health support to hundreds of young people in northern Sydney. KYDS encourages people to reach out for help early, and Helen does whatever she can to ensure that all young people have access to barrier-free, tailored counselling.

Tyson Makin from StreetWork Australia
Dedicated youth case worker Tyson Makin uses his optimistic outlook to inspire vulnerable young people to make positive changes. In his role at StreetWork Australia, Tyson mentors at-risk local young people to resolve their troubles with the police, get back to school, find counselling, leave drugs behind or find a safe place to stay.

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

Recognising all our 2022 nominees

View all of the Westfield Hornsby nominees and their organisation