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.

Donna Jordan

Hands Off Foundation
Compassionate . Dedicated . Energetic

Donna Jordan came up with the idea for the Hands Off Foundation during a kitchen table conversation about helping survivors of sexual assault to heal. Under her leadership, the foundation has grown into a charity that provides tangible emergency support in the form of necessary items and shopping vouchers. Donna coordinates fundraising and works with the Centre Against Sexual Assault to ensure each client receives what they feel will help them the most, not what has been selected for them. “Beneficiaries include children, men and women of all ages and backgrounds,” says Donna.

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Mel Spencer

Different Journeys
Dedicated . Selfless . Courages

Mel Spencer is a co-founder of Different Journeys, which fills a vital gap in support for older children, teenagers and adults with autism. Mel and her fellow committee members are in an excellent position to understand the needs of their members because most of them are on the autistic spectrum. The organisation stages regular events to help its nearly 400 members reduce social isolation and learn invaluable life skills. “My commitment has resulted in a support system for a community that would otherwise quite likely be quite misunderstood, underestimated and marginalised,” says Mel.

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Wendy Lyons

Stroke A Chord Choir
Passionate . Enthusiastic . Inspirational

Wendy Lyons started the Stroke A Chord Choir nine years ago when she noticed stroke survivors with no ability to speak could sing. The choir is a self-help group that offers people an opportunity to express themselves in a friendly environment.Wendy aims to show there can be life after stroke and it can be joyful. Wendy has recovered her voice after a stroke but she has lost the ability to interpret touch on her right side. “We strive to give people the opportunity to hear their voices again and express themselves through song,” says Wendy.

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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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