Your 2026 Westfield Hurstville Local Hero is:

Helen Dwyer

Scout Association of NSW

Selfless. Caring. Tireless.

Helen Dwyer has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, Scout Association of NSW.

Over the course of more than 40 years, and thanks to three significant volunteer roles, Helen Dwyer has helped young people grow through Scouting.

Described as ‘a multi-tasker extraordinaire’, she has and remains a Cub Scout Leader, Leader in Charge of 1st Hurstville Scout Group with over a hundred members, and Bambara District Commissioner overseeing an additional five Scout Groups.

Every week, Helen still supports a large community of young people. She mentors other Scout leaders while also organising camps, outings, and participation in community events.

She says, “Although in my 70s now, I remain motivated to help young people become valued members of the Hurstville community drawing on the community spirit I experienced growing up in the country.”

Helen adds, “A particular motivation for me is the opportunity to support young people experiencing learning difficulties and various mental health challenges who often have low self-esteem. There is immense satisfaction in facilitating their progress through the award system while forming new friendships.”

Helen also provides long-standing support to the Buddha’s Light International Association

Kogarah Scout Group, helping guide its growth into a thriving multicultural community.

“It continues to be incredibly rewarding to see young boys and girls learn I new skills, overcome challenges, and build friendships as they progress through the different scouting sections,” she explains.

We'd like to thank and acknowledge our finalists who will receive a $5,000 grant for the organisation they represent

Shirley Zhuang

Project Youth

Fierce. Supportive. Compassionate.

As a Lived Experience Board Director, Shirley Zhuang shapes decisions affecting young people facing housing insecurity and homelessness across Georges River, Sutherland Shire and Bayside. Having experienced homelessness as a young person, Shirley chose to work from within to improve the systems that once supported them, advocating for services that are trauma-informed and centred on prevention. 

Sophie Ward

Shopfronts Arts Co-op

Genuine. Creative. Courageous.

Sophie Ward found confidence, creativity and lifelong friendships at Shopfront Arts Co-op and now helps other young people do the same. After 15 years with the organisation, she is its Young Leader, championing youth voices, delivering programs for young people living with disability or mental health challenges, and creating opportunities for others to feel seen, heard and valued.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Hurstville nominees and their organisations.

2027 Nominations Now Open

Do you know someone making a difference in your community? Tell us in 200 words why they should be a Westfield Local Hero and they could receive a $20,000 grant for their organisation.

Find out more here