Westfield Local Heroes is a recognition and awards program that connects and enriches communities in Australia and New Zealand. The program discovers and celebrates individuals who make a positive impact to their local community and/or environment.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here.

Bill Bradley

Hornsby Connect
__Inspirational . Friendly . Kind-hearted __

Many people in Hornsby have had their day brightened by a friendly greeting from William (Bill) Bradley as he passes on his mobility scooter. The 83-year-old community leader has been a quadriplegic since he contracted polio at fourteen and has been involved in community service for sixty-five years, including as a founder volunteer at the popular Hornsby Connect drop-in centre. To many, his warm presence and positive attitude are as important as his work. “I demonstrate to the community what can be achieved with a disability and also provide a friendly ear,” he says.

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Cherie Raffan

Ability Options
__Sparkling . Professional . Committed __

Cherie Raffan believes people should encourage and support each other to reach their potential. That’s an ethos she lives by every working day as an employment advisor for the Disability Employment Service at the Ability Options charity. Some of her clients are highly qualified but are struggling to find a position; others have never worked or have no recent work history. Many have a mental illness. Cherie treats each person as an individual and provides gentle and compassionate support.“We work actively towards building self-belief and work-readiness, and thereafter assist our clients into the workforce,” she says.

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Dannielle Miller

*Walk The Talk *
__Passionate . Determined . Innovative __

Parenting author, entrepreneur and educator Dannielle Miller been appointed Education Officer for Women's Community Shelters and tasked with designing and implementing a domestic violence-prevention program. Named Walk The Talk, the program teaches students about respectful relationships, gender equality and being change-makers. Participants are encouraged to work with a local shelter for a year, providing services, fundraising and increasing awareness. “Our approach involves a shift towards a grass-roots method of addressing domestic and family violence rather than utilising a top-down, imposed strategy,” says Dannielle.Barker College, Asquith Boys and Pennant Hills High have participated so far.

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Recognising all our 2019 nominees

We congratulate all of our finalists and nominees and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community.
View all of the finalists, nominees and their organisations

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