Announcing your 2024 Westfield Local Hero

We are excited to announce Zoe from Shopfront Arts Co-op as your 2024 Westfield Local Hero for Hurstville!

Westfield is proud to award a community grant of $20K to help Zoe at Shopfront Arts Co-op 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 – totalling $AUD1.24 million to support local communities.

Nominations for the 2025 Westfield Local Heroes program are open now. If you know someone who's making an impact, nominate them as a Westfield Local Hero - nominate here.

Your 2024 Westfield Hurstville Local Hero is:

Zoe Ong

Shopfront Arts Co-op

Selfless. Creative. Determined.

Zoe Ong is a dedicated volunteer at the Shopfront Art Co-op, providing administrative support and assistance with the Saturday drop-in art-making class. As a young person living with a disability, Zoe’s impact extends beyond these tasks. She’s also part of the Shopfront Disability Advisory Panel.

“The joy I feel from volunteering motivates me to continue working with Shopfront,” says Zoe. I’ve experienced great examples of teamwork, made new friendships and had my creativity encouraged. When I was selected for the disability panel, I felt so happy! It helped me to overcome my shyness and find my voice. I’m proud to contribute my ideas and make Shopfront more accessible to our community.”

Shopfront works with over 2000 local young people annually through workshops, performances and employment pathways. 30% of participants also live with disability. Through her work at Shopfront, Zoe aims to bring the community together and make a difference.

In 2023, Zoe received the Georges River Council Localability award for her commitment to her community through volunteering.

Zoe has also completed a TAFE Certificate II in AUSLAN and is now working on her Certificate III. She hopes to become an AUSLAN interpreter and teacher’s aide and to use these skills for the benefit of others in the community.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist with the most community votes is the Westfield Hurstville Local Hero for 2024, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. Shopfront Art Co-op will use the grant to support Shopfront’s 360-Degree Access and Inclusion project. The project works with 31 young people to manage, create and present three new theatrical shows.

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

Glenn Power from Georges River Life Care

Glenn Power founded Georges River Life Care in 2007 to help those in need. The organisation now provides family violence support, financial crisis support, legal aid and more. During COVID-19, Glenn initiated a Community Relief Centre, distributing 150 food hampers weekly. Glenn's efforts ensure safety, support, community connection and financial assistance for over 700 families annually.

Stella Simmance from Project Youth

Stella Simmance, a youth support worker at Project Youth, works full-time at a crisis refuge in St George. She helps to provide short-term housing for young people facing homelessness. Stella’s dedication and compassionate approach creates a safe, empowering environment, positively impacting the lives of young people by supporting their goals and well-being.

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