We are excited to announce Sian Gordon from The Burdekin Association as your 2024 Westfield Local Hero for Hornsby!

Westfield is proud to award a community grant of $20K to help Sian Gordon at The Burdekin Associationto continue to grow their impact in the local community.

The 2024 Westfield Local Heroes program will award 125 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $AUD1.24 million to support local communities.

Your 2024 Westfield Hornsby Local Hero is:

Sian Gordon

The Burdekin Association

Caring. Committed. Determined.

For the past five years, Sian Gordon has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping homeless young people in our community.

As a team leader at The Burdekin Association, Sian manages youth housing across Hornsby and the Northern Beaches. Her role primarily includes providing accommodation, case management and teaching essential life skills. But it also includes securing community donations, linking youth to education, and supporting family reconciliation when appropriate.

Sian's motivation comes from the young people she supports. "Many of these young people have never had a positive adult in their life," she explains. "By really listening and being consistent, we enable them to trust."

Sian's dedication ensures youth have a stable environment in which to thrive, reducing their reliance on welfare systems and breaking the cycle of homelessness.

"My biggest personal challenge has been accepting that we can't help everyone," she says. "We have a limit on beds and the level of support we can offer, so I've had to learn how to be satisfied by doing our best."

Sian's work also includes outreach support and running the Change Your Course Program for young people in the legal system. Her impact is profound, providing 33 beds for youth in need every night.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist with the most community votes is the Westfield Hornsby Local Hero for 2024, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. The Burdekin Association will use the grant towards repairing and redecorating the youth accommodation, including a laundry room upgrade.

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

Aileen Mountifield from Lisa Harnum Foundation

Aileen Mountifield is the founder and executive director of the Lisa Harnum Foundation (LHF). She's committed to supporting women and children facing domestic violence. Since 2014, LHF has offered support services, case management and counselling. Aileen established LHF’s first safe room in 2018, providing secure spaces in shopping centres for women to meet caseworkers.

Lisa Rowling from Children’s Tumour Foundation

Lisa Rowling, a former paediatric nurse with over 30 years of experience, now serves as the national support services coordinator at the Children's Tumour Foundation (CTF). Her efforts ensure that the 13,000 Australians living with neurofibromatosis (NF) have access to essential resources and education.

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

Recognising all our 2024 nominees

View all of the Westfield Hornsby nominees and thier organisations.