Your 2025 Westfield Kotara Local Hero is:

Olivia Hughes

Nobbys Surf Life Saving Club

Kind. Accepting. Selfless

Under Liv’s guidance and support, a modified Nippers program for children with disabilities has flourished at Nobbys Beach Surf Life Saving Club. 

 ‘Little Rippaz’ gives five-year-olds to 18-year-olds with special needs the opportunity to learn about beach safety in an inclusive environment; it is particularly valuable for those who find the beach scary or unenjoyable. Liv has been volunteering for the program for six years, and ran it herself in 2024, choosing to extend its duration and number of participants.  

“It is a privilege running the Little Rippaz program,” says Liv.   
“Having grown up with children with disability, I quickly learnt that all they want is to be included and have the same opportunities. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smiles on their faces.”
Liv also contributes to many other water safety and surf-related charities.  

As well as running Little Rippaz, she is a lifeguard and first aid officer with the club, patrolling monthly and volunteering at events. Liv is also an ambassador for Host-a-Surfer, a not-for-profit that helps female surfers find accommodation during competitions; and she teaches surfing at Girls Day Out events, encouraging young girls to try new sports. In addition, she has raised more than $10,000 for water safety and surf-related charities.

The $20,000 grant will be used to put down beach matting to enable access for wheelchair users and others with a disability.

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

Amanda Homard from LIVEfree Project

With 20 years of experience, Mandy supports, and is trusted by, children facing trauma. She believes in holistic, early intervention to help them thrive emotionally and academically when experiencing adversity in the family such as addiction, domestic violence and mental illness. Mandy’s commitment aids many families across Newcastle.

Patti Conway from Ronald McDonald House Charities

For 11 years, Patti has brought comfort to families at John Hunter Children’s Hospital as the welcoming face of the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms. From preparing meals to providing emotional support or making the rooms clean and comfortable, she provides care for people visiting sick children or staying at the hospital.

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

Recognising all our 2025 nominees

View all of the Westfield Kotara nominees and their organisations.