Presenting your 2021 Westfield Local Heroes
We are excited to announce your three 2021 successful Westfield Local Heroes for Hurstville.
Each of the affiliated organisations of the successful heroes will be awarded a $10,000 grant to support their work to thrive. Westfield will award 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $1.26 million.
For further information or to discover the Westifield Local Heroes at other Westfield centres, visit the Westfield Local Heroes website.
Your three Westfield Hurstville Local Heroes are:
Annette Mayne
The Reconnect Project
Selfless. Giving. Hard-working
Annette Mayne is tackling two pressing issues with her social enterprise, The Reconnect Project. First, she refurbishes pre-loved mobile devices and laptops and passes them on to women fleeing domestic violence and other people who can’t afford them, including refugee children. Second, her work also keeps e-waste from landfill.
Lucillia Chan
Hurstville Community Garden Association
Passionate. Knowledgeable. Generous
Horticulturist Lucillia Chan is dedicating her retirement to helping people from all walks of life experience the joy and healing power of nature. Lucillia is an enthusiastic volunteer for the Hurstville Community Garden Association, which has set up a 30-bed garden in Hurstville. Several local groups use the garden, including the gardening therapy group that Lucillia started to help people affected by cancer.
Sonya Sarkis
Sweet Dreams Foundation Limited
Brave. Loyal. Passionate
Altruistic Sonya Sarkis has started a charity and put her savings towards setting up a comfortable and stylish temporary home for local women fleeing domestic violence. Sonya has spent 20 years doing pro bono work and established her Sweet Dreams Foundation last May to give women somewhere safe to live until they can transition to longer-term accommodation.
We congratulate our finalists and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community.
Ibtisam Hammoud from 3Bridges Community
Passionate and dedicated employee Ibtisam Hammoud brings hope and connection to people of all ages through her work with 3Bridges Community. Ibtisam plays a big part in encouraging young people to believe in themselves, make informed decisions and follow their dreams.
Mark Pacey from The Kids' Cancer Project
Dedicated dad Mark Pacey has pushed himself to his physical limits to raise over $150,000 for The Kids’ Cancer Project. To reflect the endurance of children with cancer, Mark came up with a 24-hour triathlon to raise funds for the project, which funds research into childhood cancers.
Samey Minkara from Street Industries
CEO & Founder of Street Industries, Samey Minkara, is an experienced youth worker. Samey started Street-Smart, a youth program in last July to support young people impacted by Covid-19. He leads a team of volunteers on the streets to reach young people, assisting them to reconnect with their communities.
If you need support, please phone Lifeline: 13 11 14
Recognising all our 2021 nominees
View all of the Westfield Hurstville nominees and their organisation
